Image: Steve Granitz

Janet Jackson will officially not appear in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.

Her sister La Toya Jackson finally explained the major absence.

La Toya spoke with reporters at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. She confirmed a direct invitation for Janet to join the project. The pop icon simply chose to pass on the opportunity.

LaToya said, “She was asked and she kindly declined. So you have to respect her wishes. I wish everybody was in the movie!”

Director Antoine Fuqua also expressed his deep support for the singer. He noted Janet fully backs her nephew Jaafar Jackson in the starring role.

The 59-year-old singer skipped the premiere and remains completely silent on the topic.

The highly anticipated movie officially hits theaters on Friday.