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It’s been 15 years, but Pitbull has finally addressed the elephant in the room. Or, more specifically, the bulge in his trousers.
The rapper, 45, has offered an explanation for a particularly memorable moment during his 2011 American Music Awards performance with Jennifer Lopez, which left viewers wondering whether Mr Worldwide had become a little too enthusiastic about his job.
For those fortunate enough to have escaped the image until now, Pitbull was performing alongside JLo, now 57, when she began grinding against him as part of their choreography.
And while the pair were ostensibly there to showcase their musical talents, a photograph from the evening suggested that at least one part of Pitbull’s anatomy had decided to pursue a solo career.
The image, which has enjoyed a healthy afterlife on the internet, appeared to show a rather conspicuous bulge in the rapper’s trousers.
At the time, Pitbull maintained a dignified silence on the matter, presumably hoping that the world would eventually find something else to discuss.
Unfortunately for him, the internet has a remarkable memory, particularly when it comes to celebrities experiencing involuntary bodily functions in public.
Now, during a Q&A at Billboard’s Latin Music Week in Miami on Wednesday, the Give Me Everything hitmaker has finally offered some context.
‘But funny story on that right there,’ he began, apparently deciding that 15 years was quite long enough to keep this particular secret.
‘There’s a picture out there with me and Jennifer at an [awards show], and Jennifer, during rehearsal, didn’t do a certain move that she did when the show went on.
‘And when she did that move, I got excited. So that makes sense to that picture, if you know what I’m talking about.’
Well, yes, Pitbull. We do know what you’re talking about. In fact, the photograph rather helpfully illustrates your point.
Most celebrities would probably spend the rest of their lives insisting that it was an unfortunate crease in their trousers, an optical illusion or perhaps a mobile phone positioned at a deeply unfortunate angle.
Not Pitbull, who has apparently decided that the time has come to set the record straight.
In fairness to the rapper, it’s difficult to imagine anyone remaining entirely composed when Jennifer Lopez unexpectedly introduces some extra grinding into a live performance.
And he was quick to make clear that he has nothing but admiration for his former collaborator.
‘What a, at the time, an absolute blessing and honor to be able to work with Jennifer Lopez,’ he said, praising her extraordinary career and achievements.
‘Jennifer, I appreciate you.’
And judging by that photograph, he wasn’t kidding.
The pair have worked together on several hits over the years, including On The Floor, Dance Again and Live It Up, although it’s probably safe to assume this particular performance has stuck in Pitbull’s memory for reasons unrelated to its chart success.
Elsewhere at the event, the rapper discussed his latest album, PITCOIN, which arrived earlier this month and features a collaboration with Jon Bon Jovi.
The pair have reinvented Bon Jovi’s classic It’s My Life as a new track titled Now Or Never, with Pitbull revealing that the rock legend is already asking when they’ll work together again.
So, professionally speaking, things are going rather well for Mr Worldwide.
And after 15 years of speculation, he can finally put one of the more enduring mysteries of his career to bed.
Which is probably where he wishes that particular incident had happened in the first place.