Enrichment Arts & Culture

Janet Jackson talks beauty standards, women becoming ‘comfortable in their skin, in their size’ in new interview

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/Associated Press, File)

Story at a glance

  • Music icon Janet Jackson opened up about body positivity and beauty standards in a new interview with Allure.
  • The singer went on to state that her 1993 album release for “Janet” is when she first truly began to embrace herself and her body.
  • Jackson cited fellow artist Lizzo as someone she admires for her body positive advocacy.

Music icon Janet Jackson opened up about body positivity and beauty standards in a new interview with Allure. 

Jackson said she admires that women have become “comfortable in their skin, in their size, in being full-figured and I love that, as opposed to back in the day. You had to always be thin and always look a certain way. And now it’s all accepted and it is all beautiful and I absolutely love that.” 

The singer went on to state that her 1993 album release for “Janet” is when she first truly began “embracing me and trying to learn to love me for me, my body, all of that. Trying to feel comfortable in embracing that.” 

Jackson acknowledged that the change in mindset wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen overnight.

“It took a lot of work, a lot of work,” Jackson told Allure. “It was something very tough, very difficult. But I’m glad I walked through it. I’m really glad I got in. It was a way of accepting and loving, accepting yourself and your body.” 


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Jackson cited fellow artist Lizzo as someone she admires for her body positive advocacy. However, while the body positive movement has gained mainstream traction in recent years, challenging traditional beauty standards and influencing changes in companies such as Victoria’s Secret, it still receives pushback, as well. 

In August, Lizzo broke down while streaming on Instagram Live after receiving a barrage of hateful comments. 

“I just feel like I’m seeing negativity directed towards me in the most weirdest way, like, people saying s— about me that just doesn’t even make sense. It’s fatphobic and it’s racist and it’s hurtful,” Lizzo said. 

“I’m doing this s— for the big black women in the future who just want to live their lives without being scrutinized or put into boxes,” Lizzo added. “I’m not gonna do what y’all want me to do, ever, so get used to it. But what I will do is make great music and be a great artist and continue to uplift people and uplift myself.” 


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