Janet Jackson Gets Emotional on Stage While Performing Domestic Abuse Song

Janet Jackson broke down in tears on Saturday (Sept. 9) during her “State of the World Tour” stop in Houston, Texas. While performing her 1997 song “What About,” which is about domestic violence, the music icon got overwhelmed and emotional and needed a moment to compose herself.

In a video footage posted online by a fan, Janet bends over and covers her face as tears stream down her cheeks, before standing to face the crowd and stating, “This is me.”

Jackson, 51, previously revealed that “What About,” which appears on her 1997 album ‘The Velvet Rope,’ was inspired by aspects of her personal life, and that of her ex-husband Rene Elizondo, Jr., who she was married to from 1991 to 2000.

It’s also unclear if any of the emotions stem from her estranged husband, billionaire Wissam Al Mana, the father of her baby son Eissa, who she is currently divorcing after a 5-year marriage.

Following the emotional moment, Jackson went on to perform hits from her catalog including “Nasty,” “Alright,” “Control,” “When I Think of You,” “All for You,” and “Rhythm Nation.”

Jackson kicked off her “State of the World Tour” in Lafayette, Louisiana on Thursday night, returning to the stage for the first time since becoming a mom. Her pregnancy previously forced her to halt her beleaguered 2016 trek, which was formerly named the Unbreakable World Tour.