Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake Superbowl Controversy Takes a New Turn

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl Controversy

Superbowl is a fun event where a football team wins the championship at the end. However, it does not occur without sparking a controversy. The 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII was one such event. It was filled with controversy.

The controversy sparked between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. Jackson was the headliner that year and Timberlake was a surprise guest. But suddenly the show was not much fun as he shockingly ripped off Jackson’s top, exposing her breasts. This happened on live television.

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's Super Bowl Controversy
Instagram/Janet Jackson

Jackson’s Documentaries

Since the occurrence of this incident, blame was put on people responsible for the mishap. In November, 2021 The New York Times released a documentary documentary called “Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson”. The documentary analysed the cultural and racial factors. Although it only consists of 2 interviews from NFL and MTV executives.

Jackson is now planning to release a documentary from her own perspective. In this documentary she will address the incident herself. It will also feature some more personal incidents of her life and career. It will release in two parts on Jan 28 and Jan 29.

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's Super Bowl Controversy
Instagram/Justin Timberlake

Timeline Of the Events

NFL announced in December 2003, that Jackson will headline in Superbowl in 2004. On January 28, one of Janets’ choreographers made a shocking comment. Later, on the day of the event, Timberlake during the performance held Jackson and the ripped her top off. Later the same night Justin and MTV issued a statement, apologizing and saying it was completely unintentional.

Following this, Jackson also released a statement apologising to her fans. She told her side of the story, which was a little different from that of Timberlake’s. The FCC probed an investigation and the media started to point fingers. The incident was termed as “Nipplegate.”

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