Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson’s outfit during a planned Super Bowl stunt, exposing her barely hidden chest in the process, but was largely spared criticism amid the ongoing controversy that followed.
Meanwhile, her songs were banned from the radio by Jackson, who called the incident a “wardrobe malfunction,” and her career was permanently scarred by the episode.
A documentary about Spears, which aired in the US last week, further urged Timberlake to apologize for his treatment of the pop star in the wake of their breakup.
Jackson did not refer to Timberlake’s apology in a video message posted on her social media on Saturday, February 13, but expressed her gratitude to her fans.
“I was home alone recently and I started to cry,” she explained wearing a face mask. “I cried because I was so grateful for all that God has blessed me with, all that he has given 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 her landmark 1986 album Check, which is currently number one on the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album Chart.
“I never, ever in a million years, I would never think this would happen,” Jackson continued. ‘I really appreciate you and I love you so much. Thank you.”
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 sanctioned misogyny and racism” and that he “failed” both Jackson and Spears.
“I care and respect these women and I know I have failed,” Timberlake wrote.