Timberlake out of ‘Motown 45’

Justin Timberlake has pulled out as cohost of ABC’s upcoming “Motown 45” special. The network and the producers insist his decision is unrelated to protests from some African American groups that felt he let Janet Jackson take the blame for her breast-baring stunt at the recent Super Bowl halftime show. “Motown 45” executive producer Jeff Margolis said Timberlake’s withdrawal was solely because of his obligation to star in his first movie.

Several groups, including Project Islamic Hope, had blasted Timberlake’s participation on the Motown special, saying he had never recorded for the label. He has also been criticized for not accepting responsibility for his role in the dance routine with Jackson, in which he pulled off part of her costume.