Janet Jackson's #MeToo Redemption

via anneofcarversville

Prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Les Moonves has been accused by at least six women of sexual misconduct. The CBS chairman will step down due to multiple allegations that span his career. While news of a man abusing his professional role for sexual pleasure is unfortunately nothing new, The Huffington Post published an article that details an even deeper and more manipulative side to these types of predators. Yasar Ali reported a story that exposes Moonves’ history of vengeance against women who have challenged his role, most famously being Janet Jackson.

via fox

This all began with the “wardrobe malfunction” at the 2004 Super Bowl, in which Justin Timberlake ripped away Janet Jackson’s bustier accidentally revealing her breast during the halftime performance. Exposure happened for 9/16th of a second, however with viewer criticism and a $550,000 fine by the FCC— repercussions of the event held long term punishment for Jackson. Furious for “embarrassing” him, Moonves banned both singers from the Grammys the following week. He later lifted Timberlake’s ban after his tearful televised apology, however he was unsatisfied by Jackson’s. Moonves even went so far as to prevent all CBS radio-owned stations from playing Jackson’s music and promoting her upcoming album “Damita Jo”.

While news of the Super Bowl negatively impacting Jackson’s career is well known, the extent to which Moonves played in ensuring Jackson failure is absolutely disgusting. The fact that Moonves purposely sabotaged Jackson’s career because her apology did not meet his “standards,” is the definition of misogyny. If I recall correctly it takes two to tango, but only one to rip off someone’s top. That someone was Justin Timberlake. But like typical America, we blame the woman for what she naturally has— nipples. Say it with me. Nipples.

N I P P L E S.

And *gasp* if you look down, you’ll see you have them too.

This is why the #metoo movement holds such value beyond the physical aspects. It exposes how men in positions of power continue to traumatize and control women beyond sexual domination. Moonves is just one example of the degree of impact men can have on a woman’s lifelong career. Acts of revenge due to female rejection is all too common— whether it be physical, mental, emotional or financial—— women are continuously targeted simply because men have been conditioned to retaliate to prove their manhood rather than leave women be. Until we shift the conversation from blaming victims to holding predators accountable, the pattern of violence against women will continue.