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. 

Preview and purchase music from Justin Timberlake
 
 
.