A new book reveals that during the filming of the 1993 movie ‘Poetic Justice,’ Janet Jackson requested co-star Tupac Shakur undergo an AIDS test before their on-screen kiss, a demand he angrily refused. This incident, detailed in Jeff Pearlman’s ‘Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur,’ highlights the on-set tensions between the two stars and sheds light on the era’s health anxieties.
The 1993 film ‘Poetic Justice,’ directed by John Singleton, paired Tupac Shakur as Lucky with Janet Jackson’s Justice in a romantic drama that explored love and loss. At the time, Jackson was a global pop icon, while Tupac was rising from his breakout role in ‘Juice.’ The casting aimed to blend their talents, but behind the scenes, their dynamic was fraught with professional and personal clashes. Singleton had initially considered Ice Cube for the male lead before settling on Tupac, who impressed in screen tests but soon revealed a rebellious streak.
On set, Jackson was the consummate professional, arriving punctually and adhering strictly to the script, a discipline honed from years in the spotlight. In contrast, Tupac was often late, unprepared, and under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which affected his performance and irritated the crew. Financial disparities added to the friction; Jackson earned a seven-figure salary with luxurious accommodations, while Tupac made under $100,000 and stayed in modest hotel rooms. This inequality fueled Tupac’s resentment, as he felt they should be treated as equals.
The tension escalated as filming progressed, particularly around a pivotal kissing scene. Tupac reportedly boasted to friends about overwhelming Jackson with his lips and tongue, comments that reached her and heightened her discomfort. Concerned about his promiscuous reputation and the risks of HIV/AIDS in the early 1990s, Jackson took action. She summoned producer Steve Nicolaides to her trailer, where she expressed her worries about swapping saliva without assurance of his health.
Nicolaides relayed the request to Tupac, who reacted with a profanity-laced refusal, telling the producer to ‘tell her to go fuck herself.’ Despite the awkwardness, Nicolaides understood Jackson’s concerns, given the AIDS epidemic’s peak and Tupac’s known lifestyle. Tupac never took the test, and the kissing scene was filmed without it, though the incident underscored the deep-seated animosity between the stars. Sources close to the production noted that Tupac found the request amusing but insulting, reflecting his defiant attitude.
This episode occurred against the backdrop of the early 1990s, when AIDS was a widespread and often fatal disease, fueling public fear and stigma. Jackson’s request, while personal, mirrored broader societal anxieties about sexual health and celebrity behavior. Tupac’s refusal aligned with his image as a rebellious figure, unwilling to bow to demands he perceived as disrespectful. The context of the time makes the incident a poignant example of how health crises influenced Hollywood interactions.
Despite the drama, ‘Poetic Justice’ was a commercial success, grossing $27 million against a $14 million budget, and it remains a cult classic. The film showcased Tupac’s raw talent, even as his unprofessionalism marred the experience for some. Jackson’s career continued to thrive, while Tupac’s legacy grew posthumously. The new book excerpt offers a fresh perspective on these events, drawing from interviews and archival research to paint a nuanced picture of their strained relationship.
The revelation in Pearlman’s book, set for release on October 21, 2025, adds to the ongoing fascination with Tupac’s life and the hidden stories of Hollywood’s past. It prompts reflections on how celebrity conflicts and health concerns were handled in a less transparent era. As audiences revisit ‘Poetic Justice,’ this account enriches understanding of the film’s creation and the complex personalities involved, reminding us of the human elements behind iconic performances.