The Truth About Janet Jackson And Gabrielle Union
Being the icon that she is, it comes as no surprise that Janet Jackson is admired by many. One celebrity, in particular, that isn't shy about expressing their love for Miss Jackson is actor and author Gabrielle Union.
In 2017, a fan on Twitter shared a video of Union meeting Jackson at an event. The clip showcased Jackson and Union engaging in a passionate hug and a short conversation. Despite her high-profile status, Union seemed overwhelmed and starstruck over meeting the living legend. Two years later on "Janet Jackson Appreciation Day," the former "America's Got Talent" judge explained the backstory to the video. "1st time I met Janet, we were in a club in Miami & @WValderrama & Tadao literally drug me over to meet her," she tweeted, adding, "I didn't think I looked cool enough to meet my hero. Yall, she got up, hugged me & told me she was proud of me. I. Died."
Even though their proper meeting took place at a club in Miami, the duo's first encounter with one another dates back to another time. Trust us, it's certainly a memory Union is never going to forget.
Gabrielle Union auditioned for a role dressed as Janet Jackson
While Gabrielle Union and Janet Jackson conversed at a club in Miami, that wasn't the first time Union laid her eyes on the powerhouse entertainer. While making a recent appearance on "The Late Late Show with James Corden," the "10 Things I Hate About You" actor revealed that when she went to audition for one of the "Matrix" films, she decided to dress up as Jackson. Union felt she needed to "feel like the most powerful woman in the world," explaining she wore a matching outfit from one of the singer's album covers and even went as far as drawing a beauty mark on her face. Union made sure to get a weave that embodied Jackson and admitted she felt unstoppable.
Much to Union's surprise, Jackson walked into the same audition and left her stunned. Union joked that the Grammy Award winner looked at her as if she was a "freak," that they "canceled each other out" after, and that a restraining order was put in place for Union. However, in recent times, that doesn't seem to be the case. Luckily for Union, her idol has embraced her as a friend and the pair isn't shy about sharing their appreciation for one another on social media.
Gabrielle Union and Janet Jackson are friendship goals
Imagine being good friends with the person you've admired for many years? Can't relate! As noted by SheKnows, Gabrielle Union shared a cute snapshot of herself with Janet Jackson (pictured above) to her Instagram Story in December 2017 and re-posted it again three years later in 2020. The duo looked happy to be in each other's company and flashed their radiant smiles directly at the camera lens. Also in 2017, Union attended one of Jackson's "State of the World Tour" concerts and documented her time at the event via social media. Being the superfan that she is, Union made sure to bag herself seats at the front and in the center.
In 2019, Jackson embarked on a Las Vegas residency, titled "Metamorphosis," and of course, Union had to show her support on opening night. In a photo shared on Instagram of May that year, the duo took another photo where they were both glowing. "@janetjackson in Vegas Babyyyyyy so glad we could be there to support! Thank you for inviting us," Union captioned her post. From the same night, Jackson posed with Union and rapper Queen Latifah and declared them both as her woman crushes on Instagram in April 2020. Goals!
Union and Jackson both follow each other on Instagram, which makes their friendship even more elite.