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Janet Jackson’s nephew is being talked about on social media for posting a tweet criticizing her and Black women in general for being “overly sexualized.” T.J. Jackson, the 44-year-old son of Tito Jackson and a singer in his own right, took to Twitter on Monday to express his feelings on his aunt’s use of her sexuality, claiming it “degrades and objectifies women in a way that’s not healthy.”
In reply to a tweeted video showing Janet famously putting on a sensual show at a past concert, T.J Jackson expressed his frustration with his aunt.
“I never liked when she did this in concerts either, I don’t like when females are overly sexualized in art… it degrades and objectifies women in a way that is not healthy,” T.J. wrote of his aunt. “I prefer the “That’s The Way Love Goes” Janet.”
In 1993, Janet was featured in an iconic photo on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, where her breasts were exposed while covered only by a pair of hands from behind her.
“I (don’t) like it …it just diminishes her amazing talent,” T.J. added.
Those instances were amongst several other highly-sexualized photos and moments in her career, of which her nephew apparently took issue with according to his tweet.
Social media and Janet Jackson fans did not take too kindly to T.J.’s hot take, and raised those criticisms on Twitter.
“I’m sorry I don’t like this. I don’t. Her expressing her sexuality is not degrading at all. Especially when a lot of men in your family make sexualized music too. Including 3T,” a detractor replied.
One commenter tweeted that his “aunt showed… how women can own themselves.”
“What your aunt showed over the years is how women can own themself. She has never been just about social Justice. Or just about sex. Or just about a part. She is a well rounded person.”
Another person noted the fact that his outlook on the issue is likely different from others due to the fact that “she’s your literal aunt.”
“Do you think maybeeee you just have a different outlook on it because she’s your literal aunt? I don’t agree with your point, but I think maybe Janet isn’t the best person to make your point.”
“Do you think Janet influenced women to behave that way in music today? Is WAP Janet’s fault?” a third asked. “Not you shaming your own aunt SMH,” another added.
Others took a more balanced approach to the conversation.
“It’s all part of the act, though. Like all the Janet interviews I’ve seen, she is always shy and polite” one commenter noted.
Another person agreed with T.J. to some extent, saying his aunt “has a lot of influence in todays music.”
“I think Janet has a lot of influence in todays music I think most of these new artists like Cardi B, Teyana Taylor and Coi Leray all get that from Janet.”
One person outright agreed with T.J., tweeting: “You are right, TJ. We as black women, do need to know that we are more than just our bodies. We have so much more to offer. I see so many women with talents that, if put to use, they could be unstoppable.”
T.J. attempted lighten his stance a bit after the criticisms, and followed up those tweets with another telling “all the Black women out there, know your worth… Become the queens you are meant to be.”
“To all the black women out there…. know your worth. I truly believe you are the strongest beings on the planet. Don’t sell yourself short. Become the queens you are meant to be,”
What do you think, Roomies? Does T.J. have a point regarding his aunt’s overt sexuality? Or is this an instance of “slut-shaming?”
