Timberlake tore off some of Jackson’s outfit in a planned Super Bowl feat, exposing his barely concealed breast in the process, but was largely spared criticism amid the sustained controversy that followed.
Meanwhile, Jackson, who dubbed the incident “wardrobe malfunction”, had his songs banned from the radio and his career permanently marked by the episode.
A documentary about Spears, which aired in the United States last week, also generated new requests for Timberlake to apologize for the treatment he gave the pop star after the breakup.
Although Jackson did not refer to Timberlake’s apology in a video message posted on his social networks on Saturday (February 13), she expressed her gratitude to fans.
“The other day I was home alone and started to cry,” she explained, wearing a face mask. “I was crying because I was so grateful for all that God blessed me, everything he gave me and I am so grateful that he is in my life, and I am so grateful that you are all in my life.”
Jackson also acknowledged the renewed success of his historic 1986 album To control, which currently ranks first in the Top 40 of the Apple Pop Album Chart in the USA.
“I would never, never in a million years, I would never think that would happen,” Jackson continued. “I really appreciate you and I love you very, very much. Thanks.”
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake
(David Becker / Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images)
In Timberlake’s apology, the former * NSYNC star said he knew he had “benefited from a system that tolerates misogyny and racism”, and that he “failed” with Jackson and Spears.
“I care and respect these women and I know I failed,” wrote Timberlake.