A one-of-a-kind experience! Over the years, viewers have witnessed Super Bowl moments during the halftime show that have been memorable for various reasons.
In 2004, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake delivered a controversial performance that has continued to be a topic of conversation. At the time, Jackson joined Timberlake as a surprise guest and a wardrobe malfunction ended up exposing her right breast.
Shortly after the incident was seen live by more than 150 million viewers, Jackson noted that the plan was for her to have a “costume reveal” during the show.
“It was not my intention that it go as far as it did. I apologize to anyone offended — including the audience, MTV, CBS and the NFL,” the Indiana native said in a video statement, adding that the decision was made “after final rehearsals.”
In February 2021, Timberlake addressed the infamous performance after The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears documentary sparked new discussions online about his relationship with Britney Spears.
“I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism,” the “Mirrors” performer wrote via Instagram at the time. “I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”
The record producer explained that a “larger conversation” needed to happen when it came to inequality in the “flawed” entertainment industry.
“It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed this way,” he added. “As a man in a privileged position, I have to be vocal about this. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again. … I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better.”
The Good Times actress, who previously chose not to comment publicly on the performance, later stated that it was “blown way out of proportion.”
“Of course, it was an accident that should not have happened, but everyone is looking for someone to blame and that’s gotta stop. Justin and I are very good friends and we will always be very good friends,” the dancer said in her Lifetime documentary in January 2022, adding that her and Timberlake had “moved on and it’s time for everyone else to do the same.”
During the doc, the Grammy winner recalled speaking with Timberlake amid the public backlash.
“[Justin and I] talked once and he said, ‘I don’t know if I should come out and make a statement, and this or that, or say something,'” she shared. “I said, ‘Listen, I don’t want any drama for you, they’re aiming all this at me.’ So, I said, ‘If I were you, I wouldn’t say anything.'”
She continued: “A lot of it I didn’t see, but obviously, you couldn’t get away from it because it was everywhere: People wishing ill of you, people coming up to my brothers and saying things, wishing I was put away. … It can take its toll on you emotionally, so I just stayed focused on my work, stayed close to friends, stayed in touch with family and that was enough for me to pull through. When you have everyone whispering about you and the majority of it is not favorable, that can pull you to a different place.”
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