The 44-year-old singer-and-actress says it's her prerogative if she wants to go out with younger guys and insists an age gap shouldn't get in the way of love.

Janet ' the sister to the late Michael Jackson - has recently been linked to millionaire businessman Wissam Al Mana who is almost a decade younger than her.

Speaking about the criticism that comes with having a toy boy, Janet said: "It's horrible. It's really awful.

"And I have to believe it was a man that started that. Mother always raised us to believe that age was just a number. All of us - my sisters, my brothers - we'll just tell you our ages because it's all about where you are mentally and how you feel about yourself."

Janet ' who is the youngest of the Jackson family ' believes she is more confident now then ever before.

The star - who was in a seven-year relationship with music producer Jermaine Dupri - added in an interview with Essence magazine: "There comes a time when you don't give an 'F' what people say or think. You just do your thing because it's finally about you and not in a selfish way but in a great way."