Janet Jackson responds Instagram footage ban

Janet Jackson is encouraging fans to continue posting short clips from her concerts on social media, despite a new report suggesting her management team has put a strict lockdown on shared Instagram videos.

Fans told the New York Post on Wednesday (21Oct15) photos and 15 second videos from Jackson's current Unbreakable tour had been removed from the popular mobile app "without warning," and in some cases, entire accounts had been suspended.

According to multiple users, they received emails from Instagram chiefs explaining the media had been removed as "a third party reported that the content violates their copyright."

After news spread and angry fans stormed social media to report the controversy, the Control singer took to Twitter and assured fans she appreciates their enthusiasm for sharing moments from her concerts online.

"Hey you guys, I have been listening," she wrote. "I love and appreciate my fans. I want you to know that I enjoy watching the short video clips of how you are Burning It Up at the Unbreakable shows. Please keep posting them.

"My team is passionate about protecting the intellectual property we are creating for the tour and possible future projects. It was never their intention, acting on my behalf, to have social media accounts removed. Permitting the use of long clips does present a contractual problem for these projects. I hope you understand. I trust the fans will use their short recordings for their own memories and to share on their social media networks of choice.

"I have asked my team to change their approach and allow you to engage socially with these videos," she concluded. "I know I wouldn't be here without the love I stand on."

Bosses at Instagram also released a statement explaining some of the account deletions were a mistake and they are working on fixing the bugs, but they're standing firm on the decision to remove material as requested.
Jackson's Unbreakable World Tour continues until June 2016.