by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright February 3, 2004
All Rights Reserved.

romising some “shocking moments,” Janet Jackson's MTV Super Bowl halftime show choreographer Gil Duldulao hinted that the 37-year-old pop singer would give audiences something to scream about before 89 million crazed football fans. Culminating a steamy duet, her partner Justin Timberlake reached across her leather gladiator costume pulling off a panel exposing Jackson's neatly adorned right breast, carefully fitted with a gold “sunburst” nipple pasty, adding finishing touches to her Vegas-like show. “We are angry and embarrassed that this happened during a superb broadcast,” said CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves, acting surprised by Jackson's exhibitionism. In case Moonves hadn't noticed, MTV—a wholly owned subsidiary of CBS' parent Viacom—billboarded Jackson's cryptic performance on its Web site: “Janet Jackson's Super Bowl Show Promises ‘Shocking Moments.'”

      Faced with scrutiny by the Federal Communications Commission, CBS executives acted dumbfounded by Jackson's stunt. Yet throughout the Super Bowl, those same executives approved dueling ads for drugs treating impotence, this time without former U.S. Senator and 1998 presidential candidate Bob Dole (R-Kan.) selling Viagra or lusting after pop music icon and teen sex symbol Britney Spears in Pepsi commercials. Whatever one thinks of Super Bowl ads, Janet's stunt fits neatly into MTV's format, pop culture and a society using sex to sell almost everything. Jackson's abrupt apology reflects blueprint damage control, trying to stem fallout that might hurt the release of her new album. But Timberlake's remarks take the cake, calling the stunt a “wardrobe malfunction.” Jackson, Timberlake and CBS executives all lack “plausible deniability,” dismissing the stunt as an unfortunate accident.

      Seeking to augment viewership, CBS offered plenty of advanced hype, including publicizing Jackson's halftime extravaganza. Jackson and Timberlake's bold denouement, capped an explosive performance of semi-erotic dance numbers. Performing a duet version of Timberlake's trademark “Rock Your Body,” Britney Spear's former boyfriend sang “I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song,” ripping off the leather drape over Janet's right breast,” leaving little doubt about the carefully rehearsed stunt. While Jackson claims her breast was supposed to be covered by a red veil, the fact that her nipple was already shielded suggests otherwise. “I am outraged,” said FCC Chairman Michael Powell, overreacting to Jackson's striptease. While certainly shocking, Jackson's stunt doesn't warrant Powell's wrath, threatening to throw the book at CBS.

      Like Britney Spears, Jackson's stunt does little, other than obliquely advocate saline breast implants. Exposing an ornamental nipple pasty hardly classifies as lewd conduct—at the Super Bowl or elsewhere. Patch bikinis seen at every public beach across American or in every living room watching reruns of “Bay Watch's” Pamela Anderson on network TV reveal just as much flesh. “I personally was offended by the entire production,” said Powell on ABC's “Good Morning America,” revealing his social conservative bias. Before he investigates further or tries to levy fines, Powell should take himself out of the loop. Whatever Jackson or Timberlake did doesn't warrant the “outrage” and vitriol spewing from conservative circles. Government bureaucrats or elected officials should get off their high horse before pointing fingers at frivolous performers.

      Clinton-Lewinsky should have reminded finger pointers that sexuality remains a ubiquitous force in human relations, whether on stage or off. Jackson's stunt didn't violate decency laws, it mirrors a society obsessed with sex and gossip. Powell's time would be better spent chasing down con artists using the airwaves to fleece unsuspecting consumers. “I am appalled with last night's shameless stunt during the Super Bowl,” said Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the House communications subcommittee, pushing legislation that would set strict fines for violating “decency” standards. Standards for public airwaves must also mirror a more open society that encourages and approves greater levels of nudity and colorful language. Powell and Upton should be more concerned about exposing kids to violence and carnage, than whether ingénues chose to reveal parts of their bodies.

      Before Powell goes over the deep-end, he should contain his zeal and put Jackson's show into perspective. She revealed nothing other than a chic breast ornament designed to shield onlookers from the kind of misplaced moral outrage seen in Washington. Instead of worrying about possible repercussions, Jackson, Timberlake, CBS, MTV and the NFL should stop apologizing and tell Powell to quit grandstanding and get back to work. If the sex police are offended by Jackson's performance, they should take a look around today's society and stop peeking at diaphanous dresses on the red carpets of wholesome shows like the Grammy's and Oscars. With Timberlake's help, Jackson showed far less than other public events where Powell hasn't uttered a peep. Along with the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, Jackson and Timberlake put on a great show—and that's about it.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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