Super Bowl XXXVIII should have been known for a thrilling last-second field goal, but the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake remains the main topic of discussion to this day. As we revisit the wardrobe malfunction, we also consider the ramifications and fallout following the incident.
Revisiting the Janet Jackson Super Bowl Show
More times than not, the Super Bowl is remembered for the football on display and the culmination of a lifetime of work. Yet, Super Bowl XXXVIII was known for the famous wardrobe malfunction during the halftime performance between Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. Additionally, it introduced the term wardrobe malfunction to the general public.
Originally selected to perform during the Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime Show, the NFL decided on U2 after a group of owners and officials attended the band’s concert in New York City following the attacks of Sept. 11. With MTV now at the event’s helm, they wanted to bring a more lively and upbeat tone to the event.
Paired with Jackson was the former lead singer of the pop group ‘NSYNC, Justin Timberlake. The two had a connection going back to when Timberlake was a kid — he attended Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Tour. Additionally, Jackson selected the band to perform on several dates as the opening act for her Velvet Rope World Tour.
During the halftime show of the Super Bowl XXXVIII, Timberlake appeared on stage. As the song “Rock Your Body” hit its final crescendo, he reached over and pulled off part of Jackson’s costume, revealing herself to the fans in attendance and the over 150 million viewers watching around the world.
CBS quickly cut to a wide shot of the stage so as not to show what happened to the camera, but it was too late. What came next was a series of apologies. MTV and CBS apologized for the incident and claimed that they had no prior knowledge that the Jackson and Timberlake duet would involve the wardrobe malfunction. However, an MTV representative did confirm that the MTV staff initially conceptualized the costume tear.
Jackson’s representatives would go on to explain that Timberlake was supposed to pull away part of her costume. Still, the part of the garment which was supposed to stay behind also came off, thus exposing her and an interesting piece of jewelry. Some have publicly claimed it was nothing more than a publicity stunt organized and planned out beforehand, but nothing has ever been confirmed.
Interestingly enough, this wasn’t the only controversy from the halftime show. Moments after the wardrobe malfunction, a streaker ran across the field — part of the stunt was broadcast in the United States before players from both teams tackled him.
What Year Did Janet Jackson Do the Super Bowl?
Super Bowl XXXVIII took place in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 1, 2004, in a matchup between the 11-5 Carolina Panthers and 14-2 New England Patriots.
New England entered the game seven-point favorites and squeaked out a 32-29 victory thanks to a 41-yard field goal with four seconds left by Adam Vinatieri. It was the Patriots’ second title in three years and helped set the stage for one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
MORE: Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows of All Time
While the score makes it appear this was an exciting game throughout, that was not the case. In fact, it featured some unusual scoring.
Nearly 90% of the first half and all of the third quarter were scoreless. The teams scored 24 points in the last three minutes of the first half, and a wild flurry of offensive production — 37 points — happened in the fourth quarter alone.
How’d the NFL Handle Jackon’s Super Bowl Incident?
The NFL handled this embarrassment, well, as you would expect a bunch of rich older people would react. Then-NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and NFL Executive Vice President Joe Browne publicly criticized the incident.
“It was offensive, embarrassing to us and our fans, and inappropriate,” Tagliabue said. “For now, I’m only going to say one thing, we will change our policies, our people, and our process before the next Super Bowl to ensure this entertainment is far more effectively dealt with and is far more appropriate quality for the Super Bowl game.”
Additionally, the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet heard testimony from the NFL and Viacom about the Super Bowl halftime show, which included testimonies from Tagliabue and Viacom President Mel Karmazin.
Additionally, the NFL removed MTV from the Super Bowl halftime show. They have yet to return to host the Super Bowl. After several other brands and companies have signed on to take ownership of the halftime show, including Pepsi and recently Roc Nation under Jay-Z, 2023 will be the first year Apple Music sponsors the show. Their debut will feature Rihanna on the February 12 stage at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Has Jackson Performed in Another Super Bowl Since?
I’m sure this will surprise no one, but the NFL has a petty streak. Additionally, if you embarrass the league or damage the shield, your chances of ever being involved with the NFL disappear.
That’s the case for Jackson, as she has yet to perform in another Super Bowl since. One day after the incident, Jackson apologized for the incident. “The decision to have a costume reveal at the end of my halftime show performers was made after final rehearsals. MTV was completely unaware of it. 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.”
Yet, the damage was done. Jackson was not asked to perform in another Super Bowl halftime show, and I doubt that we will see that happen anytime soon, if ever. Despite changes in societal norms on what is frowned upon and what you can get away with, there are some things you simply can’t do on TV — at least if it’s not pay-per-view.