Janet On Her Sexuality Spirituality Failed Marriages And Lessons Learned - singer Janet Jackson - Interview

Ebony, Nov, 2001 by Lynn Norment

JANET Jackson has sold more than 50 million records and fascinated the world since she first performed as The Jacksons' little sister in the early '70s. Today, she continues to enthrall millions: Some adore her as the talented princess of pop, others are awed by the ongoing saga of her life played out in the spotlight.

Then there's that body. She has evolved from a cute, chubby little girl to a voluptuous yet shy young artist, and on to today's slim, stunning beauty with chiseled features, generous bosom and six-pack abs. Her transition has fueled rumors of eating disorders, plastic surgery and more.

Equaling the body fascination is public interest in Janet's personal life. At age 18, she eloped and married James DeBarge, a union that was quickly dissolved. Last year, Janet's rumored 1991 marriage to Rene Elizondo was confirmed when the two became locked in a contentious divorce battle, the settlement of which is still in litigation.

But Janet has weathered challenges before. This time, she regrouped and released an upbeat, now multiplatinum, new album All For You. Artistically, it is a stark contrast to her 1997 Velvet Rope, which reflects her dark mood of the time. During her new stage show, the lithe, buff artist prances and dances through two incredible hours of 26 songs and nine costume changes. As is her style, she titillates with saucy lyrics and stage antics: During the current show she straps an ecstatic male fan to an upright gurney and simulates a lap dance. In interviews and elsewhere, Janet frequently makes references to religion and God.

Janet D. Jackson is at times a whirlwind of contradictions and intrigue. She is now at peace with herself, her famous family and the world. During an EBONY interview, Janet is very personable and talkative not flinching at a single question, even those about body sculpting and her relationship with Elizondo. She says she is the happiest she's ever been in her 35 years. And she certainly is as fascinating today as ever. In our exclusive interview, Janet digs deep to express herself on sex, God and men, among other issues.

EBONY: I understand that your mother (Mrs. Katherine Jackson) saw your performance in New York (though Janet initially had friends escort her mother out at a crucial point). What did she say about the sexy, erotic portion of the show?

JANET: She never mentioned it, so that is a good thing I suppose. I guess she has come to realize that--not to disrespect her in any way--but I'm just going to do my thing. I'm 35 and I'm just going to do what I feel I need to do.

EBONY: Recently you said that with the eroticism in your songs and performances, you are just being honest about your own sexuality. What did you mean by that?

JANET: With each album, it [eroticism] has gone further and further. I will say that, and that it is not for shock value, that it is just being totally truthful, being totally honest. And just expressing myself and being comfortable with my sexuality and wanting to share that side of me, I guess, with the public. The album has been banned in certain countries ... I was told they would be happy to go ahead with it if I were to take the sensual songs off the album. And I thought, `Wow, that's weird.' Here I am talking about love and expressing myself in a way I feel at least most of us do in the bedroom, and it is something so beautiful, so positive and wonderful, yet they want me to put a blindfold fold over the public's eyes about this. Yet there is all that violence ... I am not going to change the album and who I am because of that. This is another side of me that I am expressing and feeling so comfortable in doing so.

EBONY: There've been questions about your sexuality. Some have asked if you're gay or bisexual.

JANET: I don't mind people thinking that I'm gay or calling me gay. People are going to believe whatever they want. Yes, I hang out at gay clubs, but other clubs too. I go where the music is good. I love people regardless of sexual preference, regardless of race. No, I am not bisexual. I have been linked with dancers in our group because we are so close. I grew up in a big family. I love being affectionate. I love intimacy and I am not afraid to show it. We fall asleep in each other's arms. We hug, we kiss, but there is nothing beyond that. Because Rene and I broke up, it's like people need some sort of drama, some sort of gossip.

EBONY: You often say you are dating for the first time. How is dating going for you?

JANET: I'm horrible when it comes to dates. Being on tour, I haven't gone out, but God knows that there have been a couple of these guys from the audience that ... It is just a physical attraction ... I'm not looking for a relationship, not right now ... I keep saying I don't think I will get married again. I don't know what God truly has in store for me.

EBONY: What makes a man appealing to you?

JANET: "He would have to be truly understanding of what I do. It's hard because I think insecurities come into play, egos and things like that. Being an entertainer, that is really a difficult thing for a lot of men. I hear men say that they love independent women, but when it comes on another level ... It's really tough for some men, and to have that kind of understanding would be the ultimate for me.