Janet Jackson reportedly requested Tupac to take an AIDS test before their on-screen kiss during the filming of “Poetic Justice.”
The book details how the relationship between Janet and Tupac was strained long before filming began. Janet approached her role with her typical professionalism, while Tupac’s laid-back, rebellious demeanor, which often reflected his real-life persona, didn’t contribute to a peaceful atmosphere on set.
As the day for the kissing scene neared, Janet grew more anxious after hearing Tupac make jokes about “overwhelming her with his lips and mouth.” Feeling uncomfortable, she reached out to one of the film’s producers, Steve Nicolaides, to voice her concerns.
In a private conversation with her then-fiancé, René Elizondo Jr., Janet expressed to Nicolaides that she wasn’t willing to proceed with the kiss unless she was confident that Tupac was “healthy and clean.” Essentially, she wanted him to take an AIDS test beforehand.
When Nicolaides conveyed this request to Tupac, he didn’t respond kindly. Pearlman recounts that Tupac became furious, launching into a tirade filled with expletives before outright refusing to take the test. Despite the tension, they continued filming, and the iconic scene ultimately made it into the movie’s final cut.
To give some context, this occurred in the early 1990s, a time marked by widespread fear and misinformation surrounding HIV and AIDS. Nicolaides later acknowledged in the book that he understood Janet’s caution, especially since Tupac had a reputation as a ladies’ man and the virus was still viewed as lethal and enigmatic at that time.
Nonetheless, “Poetic Justice” went on to achieve classic status, grossing over $27 million at the box office and solidifying both Tupac and Janet as cultural legends.
