Top 10 Shocking Things We Learned in the Janet Jackson Documentary

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Things We Learned in the Janet Jackson Documentary.

For this list, we’ll be looking at revelations from this two-part documentary about the iconic singer.

What was your biggest takeaway from the documentary? Let us know in the comments.

As the Jackson 5 took off with hit singles like “I Want You Back,” Janet moved with her family from their two-bedroom house in Gary, Indiana to Encino, a predominantly white neighborhood in Los Angeles. Becoming at least one of the area’s first Black families, the Jacksons weren’t met with a warm reception. In the documentary, Janet reflected on being called an unforgivable word as somebody drove by. She endured racism at school as well with some kids and even teachers touching her skin and hair, asking questions that were equally absurd and awful. Although there was a petition to remove the Jacksons, the family remained in L.A. As unconventional as her childhood was, incidents like this are sadly all-too-relatable for people of color.

Jackson made the leap to feature film with “Poetic Justice,” for which she received a Best Original Song Oscar nomination. She also shared the screen with future Oscar winner Regina King and the late Tupac Shakur. While Q-Tip got to kiss Jackson about 20 times while doing 20 takes, she shared most of her romantic scenes with Shakur. Their on-screen rapport was so believable that one might assume that they were more than co-stars. Although Jackson and Shakur were never romantically linked behind the scenes, King says that there was definitely a bit of chemistry between the two. King noted, though, that Jackson was in a committed relationship with René Elizondo Jr. Still, imagine the alternate universe where Justice and Lucky became a real-life couple.

In January 2017, a 50-year-old Janet Jackson gave birth to her first child, Eissa Al Mana. In the 80s, however, a rumor surfaced that Jackson had a secret child with James DeBarge. Jackson’s weight gain at the time led some to believe that she was pregnant. Actually, it was the opposite. Jackson was taking birth control pills and weight gain was a side effect. Nevertheless, the rumor spawned various theories about the secret baby’s identity and whereabouts. Although it should probably go without saying by now, Jackson set the record straight once and for all: the secret baby rumor is precisely that - a rumor and nothing more. Despite her difficult history with DeBarge, Jackson noted that she wouldn’t have hidden a child from their father.

Jackson never had a secret baby. When she eloped with James DeBarge, though, the marriage was initially kept hush-hush. Not long after DeBarge disappeared on their wedding night, the 18-year-old Jackson realized that her husband had a drug problem. Jackson spent her nights searching the streets for DeBarge. When she tried throwing out the drugs, floor fighting ensued. Taking a toll on Jackson’s work and well-being, the marriage lasted just over a year. Jackson went on to marry René Elizondo Jr., who proposed on a beach in the rain. In addition to directing some of her videos, Elizondo recorded almost a decade of Jackson’s life. Behind the constantly rolling camera, Elizondo was controlling and had a painkiller problem. Ultimately, Jackson’s second marriage ended in 2000.

On the sitcom “Good Times,” Jackson played Penny, a little girl who’s mistreated and abandoned by her mother. In reality, Jackson was also dealing with serious problems. Her time on the comedy series marked the beginning of her history with body issues. Entering puberty at an early age, Jackson’s chest was bound to make her appear younger. Jackson also opened up about being an “emotional eater.” Michael didn’t help the situation, calling Janet heavy and comparing her to barnyard animals. Jackson added that Michael didn’t mean to hurt her, as it’s not uncommon for siblings to make fun of each other. Regardless, these insensitive comments only added to the insecurity that she was experiencing.

The Jackson household’s youngest child, Janet struggled to find her place in the family. As much as she loved her brothers, they were constantly working. Despite this distance, Janet developed an especially close bond with Randy and Michael. She fondly remembered sitting in the car with Michael, listening to his albums whenever a new one hit. Around the time “Thriller” came out, the siblings started to part ways. Janet’s was also branching out, as her eponymous debut album released that same year. Not wanting to be viewed simply as Michael Jackson’s sister, she thought the album should be called “Janet” with no surname. However, escaping the Jackson name would be an ongoing struggle on her way to becoming the then-highest-paid recording artist ever.

If she came from a different family, Janet Jackson might’ve pursued her ambition to become a lawyer. After she showcased musical talent, her father Joe Jackson insisted that she continue the family’s singing trajectory. This was far from the only life-changing decision that Joe made for his daughter. Janet wasn’t keen on playing Cleo Hewitt on “Fame,” especially given her marriage to DeBarge, but Joe felt it would be the best move for her. As demanding as Joe was, Janet still views her deceased father as a good-hearted and protective parent. She also acknowledged that the Jacksons wouldn’t have achieved such levels of success without his disciplinary ways. To take control of her life, though, Janet eventually needed to drop her father as a manager.

Just as Michael was the face of Pepsi for a period, Janet nearly introduced Coca-Cola to a new generation. The deal fell through when the first allegation against Michael surfaced. Michael Jackson remains a divisive figure, but Janet stated in the documentary that she “never” thought he was guilty. Janet was seen as “guilty by association,” however. Instead of distancing herself, Janet stayed at Michael’s ranch to show her support with the rest of the family. Michael and Janet would even collaborate on “Scream,” although this experience wasn’t without complications. Aside from going over budget, the siblings were separated for much of the production. Although it seemed like an opportunity to recapture the good old days, Janet could feel like she was battling Mike.

Few live television events ignited more headlines than Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction with Justin Timberlake at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. In retrospect, the controversy not only feels overblown, but Jackson really deserved better from the media and politicians. So did her family, who were also harassed over the performance. Jackson revealed that Timberlake reached out amid the scandal, asking if he should make a statement. Jackson advised him against doing so, not wanting any drama for him. Although Timberlake was still invited to that year’s Grammys, Jackson’s invitation was rescinded. As difficult as this chapter was, Jackson would persevere. Jackson declined Timberlake’s offer to reunite at Super Bowl LII, but she says that the two are good friends who have moved past the incident.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

She Had Trouble Making Friends
When Jackson Is Your Surname, People Can Be More Drawn to Fame Than Friendship

Argument with Producers
Tensions Got Heated During Recording Session for “Rhythm Nation 1814”

David Bowie Offered a Young Michael and Randy Drugs
At Least That’s What Randy Claims

Gary, The Guy in “Again,” Asked If She Had a Boyfriend
She Did & He Was the Director

Her Risque Rolling Stone Cover
Many Found It Bold, Although Her Family Wasn’t Thrilled

We were all shocked when Michael Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009, but few were in a greater state of disbelief than Janet. Filming “Why Did I Get Married Too?” when the news broke, Janet eventually accepted that her brother was gone. In an especially emotional moment, Janet reflected on her final memory of Michael. They attended a surprise party for their parents with the other Jacksons. Michael appeared to be in good spirits throughout before he and Janet parted with three words: “I love you.” Neither realized that these would be the last words that they ever exchanged. While Janet’s relationship with Michael had its ups and downs, she takes solace in knowing that things ended on a loving note.