Janet Jackson's Bold Move on Set: A Look into Tupac's Reputation

USATue Oct 21 2025
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In the early 1990s, Tupac Shakur was known for his wild lifestyle and many partners. This reputation led to a tense moment on the set of "Poetic Justice, " where Janet Jackson was filming with him. Janet, known for her professionalism, had concerns about a kissing scene with Tupac. Days before the scene, Tupac was talking a lot about how he would overwhelm Janet with his kisses. This made Janet uncomfortable, especially given Tupac's reputation. She decided to take action. Janet asked a producer, Steve Nicolaides, to have Tupac tested for AIDS before the scene. She didn't want to share saliva with him until she was sure he was healthy. Steve went to Tupac with Janet's request. Tupac reacted badly, using strong language and refusing to take the test. Despite this tension, the movie was still a success. It made $27 million at the box office, which was a lot more than its budget. Fans still love the movie today. Steve didn't blame Janet for asking about the test. AIDS was a big problem in the early 1990s, and Tupac's reputation made her request reasonable. This story shows how serious health concerns were back then, even among celebrities.