Janet Jackson reportedly didn't perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony because of Leaving Neverland.
While Jackson didn't release a statement about her decision not to perform, an unnamed source who spoke to Variety said that she opted out because the ceremony will air on HBO, the same network that aired the documentary alleging routine sexual abuse of minors from her late brother, Michael Jackson.
Neither Jackson nor HBO have commented publicly about the decision to avoid a performance. Jackson still appeared at the ceremony and was inducted by Janelle Monáe. In her speech, Jackson called for the Hall to induct more women and made it clear that her family was on her mind.
"I witnessed, along with the rest of the world, my family’s extraordinary impact on popular culture—not just in America, but all around the globe," Jackson said. "And as the youngest in the family, I was determined to make it on my own. I wanted to stand on my own two feet. But never in a million years did I expect to follow in their footsteps. Tonight, your baby sister has made it."
Jackson wasn't the only member of the new crop of inductees to decline a performance. Thom Yorke of Radiohead had prior engagements, but he told Variety earlier this year that even without those, Radiohead wouldn't know how to handle the Rock Hall.
"We don’t really understand it, as English people," Yorke said. "We don’t really know what to make of it.” Bandmates Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway were there to accept the honor.
In addition to Jackson and Radiohead, the night included inductions for Def Leppard, the Cure, Stevie Nicks, Roxy Music and the Zombies.
