Timberlake tore off a part of Jackson’s outfit in a planned stunt at the Super Bowl, exposing her barely-concealed breast in the process, but was largely spared criticism amid the sustained controversy that followed.
Meanwhile, Jackson, who dubbed the incident a “wardrobe malfunction”, had her songs banned from radio and her career permanently scarred by the episode.
A documentary about Spears, which was broadcast in the US last week, additionally spurred further calls for Timberlake to apologise for his treatment of the pop star in the wake of their break-up.
While Jackson did not refer to Timberlake’s apology in a video message published to her social media on Saturday (13 February), she expressed her gratitude to her fans.
“I was at home just the other day by myself and I began to cry,” she explained, while wearing a face mask. “I was crying because I was so thankful for all that God has blessed me with, all that he has given me and I’m so thankful for him being in my life, and I’m so thankful for all of you being in my life.”
Jackson also acknowledged the renewed success of her landmark 1986 album Control, which is currently sitting at number one in the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album Chart.
“I never, never in a million years, I would never think that this would happen,” Jackson continued. “I really appreciate you and I love you so, 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 that he knew he had “benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism”, and that he “failed” both Jackson and Spears.
“I care for and respect these women and I know I failed,” Timberlake wrote.