CMU reports:

Much talk as to why Justin Timberlake has pulled out of an upcoming TV
special on US network ABC telling the story of Motown. Timberlake was due to co-host the show with Lionel Richie, but it was confirmed this week that he was no longer participating in the show. The official reason for the host change is that Justin's schedule couldn't be synced with that of the show - however rumour has it the decision was caused by protests from black activist groups in America.

ABC officials are adamant their host swap has nothing to do with the protests saying, instead, Timberlake's schedule has become to crowded since he took on that previously reported film role. The show's exec producer told reporters: "When Justin was asked to host the Motown 45th anniversary special, he gladly accepted, but alerted us to the fact that he was in talks to star in his first motion picture and that at the last minute there could possibly be a scheduling conflict ... He has cancelled all television appearances through the end of April to allow him to concentrate on making the movie."

Janet is having problems as well.

According to Variety, a TV film project starring Ms Jackson as the veteran
singer and actress Lena Horne has been halted because the real Mrs Horne
objected to Janet's involvement post Nipplegate. Word is Horne told TV network ABC she no longer wanted Jackson involved, and that caused executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron to quit the project.

Jackson was a key force behind the programme - which would also have seen
Janet re-record some of Horne's most famous tracks. With that in mind current thinking is the project may now be canned completely.