Janet Jackson speaks exclusively to Ebony in April issue

Jet, March 15, 2004

In her first exclusive interview since her controversial Super Bowl halftime performance, superstar Janet Jackson speaks about why she did what she did, her family, her new CD and the man she loves in the April issue of Ebony.

Until this year's Super Bowl Janet was the Jackson who some may have referred to as the quiet, talented one who never caused any trouble. But her halftime performance with Justin Timberlake ended that when a "wardrobe malfunction" exposed her right breast to the world.

The five-time Grammy winner apologized to the FCC and the CBS and MTV networks for the incident saying, "It was not intentional. It was a costume accident."

Despite the Super Bowl fiasco and the recent child molestation charges against her famous brother Michael, Janet is confident that she and the Jackson clan will get through their ordeals. "We're very strong, as a people period. And I have a very strong family. We can handle it."

Read "Janet Speaks" to find out more about the singer's new CD, Damita Jo, and her "committed" relationship to boyfriend Jermaine Dupri, renowned record producer and senior VP of Arista Records.

Seems like every time you pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV our Black men, some famous and some not, are being attacked in their professional and personal lives. EBONY asks a group of respected authorities, "Is It Open Season on Black Men?"

Believe it or not, having a high-profile mate does have a not-so-attractive side. "Being Married To A Star Is Not Always A Starring Role" tells from the spouse's point of view what life with a famous mate is really like.

Other interesting articles in the April issue include "At Home With Evander Holyfield And His New Bride," "Al Green: I Can't Stop" and "Pass the Mic! Talk Tour Educates, Empowers And Creates New Dialogue."