When you’re part of a big family, it’s only natural that drama will occasionally pop up. It’s even more true when you belong to the famous Jackson clan. Janet Jackson is an iconic music icon and legend, whose multi-faceted career and distinctive style have earned her accolades across decades. However, one of her family members doesn’t care for some of her more sensual performances.
Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson, 44, a member of the Jackson family group 3T, took to Twitter on Monday night to share his thoughts after watching a video that showed his aunt performing in concert, per Page Six (the clip has since been restricted). The controversial performance appeared to feature Janet groping a fan and mimicking oral sex.
As a father to daughters, TJ felt that such sexual objectification was not good for them, and he was not ok with Janet’s performance. He also felt that women should not be treated as objects in the media and especially in music.
During the discussion on social media, he came under fire for his comments. Many followers criticized him for his remarks, saying they were inappropriate and not in line with his values.
TJ later posted a clarifying tweet to his Twitter account, saying he meant no harm and held his aunt in the highest regard. He even pinned the tweet to the top of his page to make it clear that he was not trashing her and did not hold her disrespectfully.
While TJ said he has no problems with his aunt’s career, he has some concerns with her dance moves. He pointed out that she’s coming up on 57 years old, and she should tone it down a bit, much like Madonna at 64.
He added that he is tired of hearing the tired black woman cliche that she’s a hoe who “want[s] to be young.” TJ said that he has watched Janet perform live, and she doesn’t seem desperate or in any rush to become young. As he says, she wants to be herself.
In response to another user who tweeted that he was “over-sexualized” by his aunt’s performance, TJ responded that he did not like it and that it simply “diminished her amazing talent.” He also shared that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 single “WAP” isn’t good for his daughters or daughters and that he “sees it taking away from art and diminishing talent.”
In the end, TJ said he’s just looking out for his sisters and his nieces. He hopes they’ll grow up to be strong, self-assured women who don’t need to be degraded by their appearance. And he also hopes that they’ll remember his advice from his Uncle Michael when he was a young boy: Enjoy your youth and be patient.
