Super Bowl: Shirtless Adam Levine sparks debate over Janet Jackson’s nip slip
Shirtless Adam Levine (L) at 2019 Super Bowl and Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl (Getty Images)
Adam Levine went shirtless at the 2019 Super Bowl LIII Pepsi Halftime Show, and it sparked a debate on social media.
Viewers had mixed feelings about the performance, with many comparing it to Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl.
Levine went shirtless during the Super Bowl LIII half-time show at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday (February 3, 2019).
During the half-time performance, the Maroon 5 star danced and sang alongside Travis Scott. Levine had stripped down shirtless, shocking viewers as they remembered the Super Bowl controversy surrounding Janet Jackson’s nip slip in 2004.
However, regardless of Levine’s clothing, many viewers weren’t impressed Maroon 5’s overall performance. It was described as “too long” and “boring.”
Adam Levine’s shirtless performance compared to Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction
The recent performance is sparking debate surrounding Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl when her nipple slipped out in 2004.
The diva’s breast had been exposed during her half-time performance alongside Justin Timberlake.
As part of the choreography, Timberlake had attempted to tear off a section of Jackson’s outfit but then accidentally removed her bra in the process.
Shirtless Adam Levine of Maroon 5 performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
At that time, the singer faced huge backlash for the nip slip. Her nipple, accessorised with a silver shield, had been exposed for less than a second but the FCC still went on to fine CBS $550,000 which led to a big legal battle.
And now, after Levine’s performance, Twitter users noticed the double standards as the Super Bowl allowed the Maroon 5 star to strip intentionally.
One Twitter user wrote: “Ok so I’m all for a shirtless Adam Levine…. but…. why are we ok with him stripping down and freaking when Janet has a nip slip?”
Ok so I’m all for a shirtless Adam Levine…. but…. why are we ok with him stripping down and freaking when Janet has a nip slip? #justsayin #SuperBowlLlll #HalftimeShow #feministmoment
— Alicia Barry Whitman (@aliciabwhitman) February 4, 2019
“Super Bowl halftime nipple rules feel inconsistent,” ESPN host Katie Nolan tweeted.
Super Bowl halftime nipple rules feel inconsistent
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) February 4, 2019
Similarly, ‘Okay. Hold up,’ Oscar-nominated actress Rosie Perez tweeted: “Are they going to go in and penalize #AdamLevine for showing his t**s like they did @JanetJackson? Just asking.”
Okay. Hold up. Are they going to go in and penalize #AdamLevine for showing his tits like they did @JanetJackson ? Just asking. @SuperBowl
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) February 4, 2019
Another user said that they felt offended: “I’m more offended seeing Adam Levine’s nipples than I was Janet Jackson’s.”
Others saw the performance as a sign of progression. Twitter user Derek wrote: “Adam Levine goes topless for Super Bowl halftime show. We’ve come so far since Janet Jackson showed some nipple. #SuperBowlhalftime show.”
