Eve Reveals Janet Jackson Saved Her After Being Drugged at 2007 VMAs Party
4 min read
Image via IG@therealeve
In her newly released memoir, Who’s That Girl?, rapper and actress Eve recounts a shocking and emotional moment from the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards afterparty, where pop icon Janet Jackson came to her rescue during a terrifying ordeal. Eve shares that this was the first time she had ever met Janet Jackson, and the circumstances were far from ideal. The rapper had unknowingly consumed a spiked drink, leaving her hysterical and unable to calm herself—until Janet stepped in and took charge.
Eve’s Harrowing Experience at the 2007 VMAs Afterparty
Eve opens up about how what should have been a celebratory evening quickly turned into a nightmare. She recalls attending the afterparty, where at some point she left her drink unattended. Upon returning and finishing her drink, she began to feel the effects of what she suspected was a drug that had been slipped into her beverage. Suddenly overcome with panic and fear, Eve found herself spiraling into hysteria. Despite attempts by close friend and fellow artist Missy Elliott to console her, she was unable to regain control of her emotions.
In a passage from her memoir, Eve details how, in the midst of this panic, Janet Jackson walked into the room. Though the two had never met before, Jackson immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation and leapt into action. “I had never met her before, and so her first introduction to me was seeing me hysterical,” Eve writes. “None of that mattered to Janet.”
Janet Jackson Springs Into Action
What happened next is something Eve says she will never forget. Despite not knowing her personally, Janet Jackson didn’t hesitate to help. Eve explains how Jackson calmly took control of the situation, ordering people to get aspirin, water, hot sauce, and white bread. Jackson’s quick thinking and unconventional remedy helped snap Eve out of her panic.
“That concoction knocked me right out of my hysteria,” Eve shared in the memoir, adding, “So, basically, Janet Jackson saved my life.” Eve’s description of the moment emphasizes how Jackson’s calm presence and immediate action were crucial in helping her recover from the terrifying experience.
Eve’s Story on The Talk
This wasn’t the first time Eve has shared this story. During a 2018 episode of The Talk, the rapper briefly touched on the incident, describing the moment she realized her drink had been spiked. At the time, she described hearing a soothing voice behind her, saying, “It’s okay. It’s okay. I’ll take care of it.” When Eve turned around, she was shocked to find that the voice belonged to none other than Janet Jackson herself.
The rapper explained how grateful she was for Jackson’s care and support during such a vulnerable moment. It was a defining experience that left a lasting impression on Eve, not just for the danger she narrowly escaped but also for the kindness and empathy Jackson showed.
A New Look at Janet Jackson
While Janet Jackson has recently faced some controversy regarding her comments on Vice President Kamala Harris, Eve’s story sheds light on the more compassionate side of the music legend. Jackson’s swift and selfless actions during Eve’s crisis reveal a lesser-known aspect of her character, highlighting how, even in high-pressure situations, she stepped up to help someone in need.
Eve’s Memoir Reveals Other Personal Struggles
Eve’s memoir Who’s That Girl? reveals much more than this shocking moment at the 2007 VMAs. The Philadelphia-born rapper shares deeply personal stories about her life, including her early years as a stripper, her rise to fame in the music industry, and her struggles with personal tragedy, including a heartbreaking ectopic pregnancy while filming her sitcom in 2006. She also opens up about her journey to self-confidence, especially when working alongside other powerful women like Nicki Minaj in Barbershop: The Next Cut.
Eve’s memoir offers an intimate look at her life and career, but the story of Janet Jackson saving her during that fateful night at the 2007 VMAs afterparty stands out as a testament to both the dangers women face in public spaces and the importance of looking out for one another. For Eve, Janet Jackson’s quick thinking and kindness made all the difference, a memory she will carry with her forever.