Controversy at Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl show turns 20

A revealing incident in the 2004 Super Bowl turns 20 this Thursday (1st) and still has something to talk about. At the time, the show at the American football league final was by Janet Jackson, with a special appearance by Justin Timberlake. However, one wrong move was the cause of a scandal.

Nowadays, with greater liberation of female nipples on display, amid the debate on gender equality, the visible female breast might not be as shocking. But that year, the singer had to publicly apologize for the offense she may have caused to the public, and an investigation was opened after her right breast was exposed during the performance.

The case became known as nipplegate or the Super Bowl XXXVIII scandal. The two were singing the song “Rock Your Body” when, at a certain point during the choreography, the singer pulled Jackson’s blouse, who was wearing a red bra.

Afterwards, the president of the Federal Communications Commission told CNN that he was certain that nothing was an accident. “Clearly someone knew about this. Clearly it was planned. She probably got what she wanted,” said Michael Powell.

The singer was also unable to perform at the Grammys alongside her colleague the following week. Justin, however, continued with the schedule. The company that owns MTV banned videos and songs by Michael Jackson’s sister from being shown on its television channels and radios.

Even years after the failed presentation, the issue still resonates. Every year, the artist’s fans boost the hashtag “Janet Jackson Appreciation Day” and, in 2021, Timberlake apologized again.

“I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves the best, and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I sincerely want to be a part of and grow from.”