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Janet Jackson Allegedly Asked Tupac Shakur to Take an AIDS Test Before “Poetic Justice” Kiss, New Book Reveals
Oct
A new book about Tupac Shakur is reigniting old Hollywood rumors — claiming that Janet Jackson once asked her Poetic Justice co-star to take an AIDS test before filming their kissing scenes.
In Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur, author Jeff Pearlman explores the late rapper’s life, career, and controversies. An excerpt published by The Hollywood Reporter includes details from producer Steve Nicolaides, who claims Jackson voiced concerns about Shakur’s health while filming the 1993 romantic drama.
According to Nicolaides, Jackson told him, “You know, Tupac’s reputation is that he’s a cat about town. I don’t want to swap saliva with him until I’m really sure that he’s healthy and clean.”
Behind-the-Scenes Tension on “Poetic Justice”
At the time, both artists were at major turning points in their careers — Jackson was transitioning from pop superstardom into acting, while Shakur was gaining traction as both a musician and movie star.
Pearlman writes that Jackson had first approached director John Singleton with her concerns, but felt dismissed. “John just walked off when I mentioned it,” she reportedly told Nicolaides. “So I’m asking you to handle it.”
When Nicolaides allegedly relayed the message to Shakur, the rapper did not take it well. The book quotes him responding with explicit frustration, reportedly saying, “Hell no… I ain’t doing s— for that b—-. Tell her to go f— herself.”
Despite the tension, filming continued and the two went on to deliver what would become one of the most memorable on-screen romances of the 1990s. Nicolaides later reflected, “I honestly think Tupac found it amusing. And the truth is, I can’t blame Janet for asking — it was the early 1990s, and people were still dying of AIDS. And Tupac, God love him, had a reputation.”
A Complicated Legacy
Released in 1993, Poetic Justice was Singleton’s second film following his groundbreaking debut Boyz n the Hood. The movie starred Jackson as a poet and hairstylist who embarks on a road trip from Los Angeles to Oakland with a postal worker played by Shakur.
While Jackson didn’t earn an Oscar nomination for her acting, she was recognized for her original song “Again,” which was featured in the film and nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. The track ultimately lost to Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia.”
Jackson and Shakur’s chemistry on screen captivated audiences, but Pearlman’s book suggests their off-screen relationship was less harmonious. Still, both stars left a lasting mark — Jackson as a pop icon and Shakur as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices.
Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur is available now, offering new insight into the rapper’s artistry, controversies, and the untold stories behind his legendary career.
