NFL Super Bowl: Janet Jackson CAN perform at NFL Super Bowl 52 despite half time show ‘nipplegate’ blunder

THE NFL has been forced into releasing a statement confirming pop megastar Janet Jackson has not been banned from the Super Bowl following her "nipplegate" fiasco alongside Justin Timberlake.

Jackson, 51, suffered a wardrobe malfunction in 2004 while performing alongside fellow star Justin Timberlake during the half-time break of the showpiece.

She was alongside him on stage as the heartthrob sung hit song "Rock Your Body" when he unintentionally pulled off her nipple guard to expose her right breast in front of millions.

Since then, rumours have been rife that she was barred by the American football authorities and she has not worked for the league since.

But former NSYNC band member JT has recently revealed that he will be returning to headline the next half time spectacular at Super Bowl 52.

And it has now emerged that if he wants Jackson alongside him, then there is nothing to stop him.

An NFL statement said: "There’s no ban. We are not going to comment on any speculation regarding potential guests. There may be no guests.

"Along with Pepsi, we’re excited to have Justin Timberlake. Like the elite NFL players who can run, catch, and block, Justin can do it all -- sing, dance, act and entertain.

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"He’s the ultimate global superstar who we know will put on an entertaining and unifying show that will appeal to the massive worldwide audience."

The NFL were reacting to the national uproar in the US since the Timberlake announcement - with fans of Jackson demanding that he apologises to her for the incident 14 years ago.

And many are calling for her to be part of the performance with Timberlake.

The 36-year-old, who will make his third Super Bowl half time appearance on 4 February, 2018, was asked about his infamous "nipplegate" error on NBC's Sunday Night Football show.

Timberlake vowed: "That won't happen this time."