Janet Jackson, now 58, recently shared an amusing behind-the-scenes story from the 1990s in an interview with British Vogue. The conversation centered on the iconic all-black ensemble she wore to her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 1990, which was designed by Bill Whitten and inspired by Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451.
Jackson fondly praised Whitten’s craftsmanship, saying, “He did a wonderful job, a beautiful job.” However, she also recounted a humorous and somewhat embarrassing wardrobe malfunction that occurred while wearing the outfit during a performance for Queen Elizabeth II.
“Funny story about this outfit,” Jackson began, with a laugh. “I was performing for the Queen of England and we were doing ‘Rhythm Nation.’ Sure enough, as soon as I squatted, my pants split right in my booty crack. I couldn’t believe it happened. I thought, oh my God. And then I started feeling air back there, so I knew it had really happened.”
The wardrobe malfunction made Jackson extremely cautious throughout the performance. “I just faced forward,” she added, noting that she was careful not to turn her back to the Queen during the entire act.
Despite the mishap, Jackson’s ensemble remains a significant and stylish moment in her fashion history. The outfit, a bold nod to Bradbury’s dystopian novel, was a standout at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony and continues to be remembered as a highlight of her career.