“Nipplegate” by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake: 20 years ago a nipple shocked the world

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From a sporting perspective, there are hardly any moments from the 38th Super Bowl that are forever burned into the memories of football fans. Almost exactly twenty years ago, the highly anticipated halftime show caused such a scandal that the consequences reverberated for years to come.

The two main acts Janet Jackson (57) and Justin Timberlake (43), together with other pop stars, will be responsible for the entertainment during the intermission of the match on February 1, 2004 at the Reliant Stadium in Houston. What starts with a gigantic choreography on the football field ends with lots of fireworks and lights in a voluptuous performance by the duo on the main stage.

The limit of what is acceptable for American television during prime time seems to have just been reached when Timberlake suddenly grabs Janet Jackson’s right breast, tears off a piece of her top – supposedly by accident – and reveals Jackson’s nipple, adorned with silver jewelry.

Jackson is punished, Timberlake is celebrated

The halftime entertainment in that Super Bowl lasted less than twelve minutes. But the bang at the end has long-lasting consequences – especially for Janet Jackson. The artist was then regarded as ‘persona non grata’ for many years. From now on, American radio stations will no longer play her songs and the singer’s performances will be canceled without further ado.

But ‘Nipplegate’ also affects the TV channel CBS. This year he is responsible for the broadcast of the mega event – ​​and therefore also for the content of the halftime show. In addition to numerous complaints, CBS was also hit with a hefty $550,000 fine, which the Supreme Court later overturned.

Only Justin Timberlake comes out on top in this issue. Scandal or not: the former boy band member (*Nsync) was celebrated at the Grammy Awards that same year, scored several number 1 hits and even performed a second time during halftime of the Super Bowl in 2018. Timberlake initially remained silent for a long time about the scandal and its consequences. He later described what happened as “regrettable”.

The lessons from the scandal

When the R&B artist Usher (44) takes to the stage as the main attraction during the halftime show next Sunday, no similar faux pas can be expected. And if so, those in charge of the competition have at least made provision for the TV broadcast: since Nipplegate, the show has only been shown on a delayed basis to its global audience of millions. Any border crossings can quickly be ignored.

By the way: the New England Patriots won the 2004 Super Bowl. Thanks to a late field goal by kicker legend Adam Vinatieri, the team of superstar quarterback Tom Brady (46) narrowly defeated the Carolina Panthers with 32:29. But it was others who made the big headlines that night.

Source : Blick