Timberlake cited scheduling conflicts with the filming of his big screen debut as his reason for pulling out of the TV special. The announcement came a few days after black activities organized a national e-mail, fax and phone campaign protesting his appearance. 
"He has canceled all television appearances through the end of April to allow him to concentrate on making the movie," said the special’s executive producer Jeff Margolis.

Margolis also said that Timberlake "gladly accepted" the invitation to co-host the program. 

The controversy and protest come after the nipple-gate incident during the Super Bowl half-time show, where Timberlake ripped off a piece of Janet Jackson’s clothing, exposing her breast on television. 

Lionel Richie is still on tap to host the program; it is unclear at this point whether the producers will hire a replacement for Timberlake. 

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