“Nipplegate” Unveiled: The Truth Behind Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s Controversial Super Bowl Incident

MINNEAPOLIS – Justin Timberlake is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, reigniting discussions about one of the most scandalous moments in NFL history.

It was Timberlake who, along with Janet Jackson, created the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” and the subsequent controversy known as “Nipplegate” during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show.

As the notorious halftime show came to a close, Timberlake accidentally exposed Jackson's right bre-st to an audience of 140 million viewers, leaving many bewildered and questioning what had just occurred.

Football player Trevor Reilly of the New England Patriots pondered, “Was that whole thing planned or not?

What's the consensus?”

Jackson has remained silent on the matter, with her publicist Paula Witt responding to inquiries from USA TODAY Sports with a simple “no comment.”

Timberlake, on the other hand, has apologized for the incident but provided little additional information.

To uncover the truth, USA TODAY Sports sought out various individuals involved in the incident.

These key players include an Ecuadorian tailor, a body piercer, a former NFL executive, a TV producer, and the former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

They shed light on the halftime show that forever linked Jackson and Timberlake.

Marcello Garzon, the Ecuadorian tailor, revealed that Jackson had asked him to alter the leather outfit she had brought to Houston for the halftime show.

However, he refused to disclose any further details due to a confidentiality agreement he signed with Jackson.

Jim Steeg, the former NFL executive responsible for the halftime show, recalled being in the league's command booth when the incident occurred.

He was alerted by Mike Pereira, then vice president for officiating, who replayed the moment for him.

Steeg expressed his disappointment with the lack of respect shown towards the Super Bowl as an institution.

Salli Frattini, the producer of the halftime show, praised Timberlake for taking responsibility but criticized Jackson's handling of the situation.

Frattini revealed that a rehearsal had involved Timberlake removing Jackson's skirt without nudity, but this idea was ultimately scrapped.

She believed that the decision to expose Jackson's bre-st came from either Jackson herself or her stylist and was presented to Timberlake in her dressing room.

Byriah Dailey, a body piercer, shared his involvement in the scandal when Janet Jackson's stylist visited his shop in Houston looking for n^pple jewelry.

Dailey recalled providing a sunburst n^pple shield worn by Jackson during the halftime show.

Despite his role, he was never contacted during the subsequent FCC investigation.

Michael Powell, the former chairman of the FCC, vividly remembered watching the halftime show with his neighbors.

He ordered an investigation into the incident, which resulted in a $550,000 fine against CBS.

However, the courts overturned the penalty.

Powell believed that those producing the show were aware of what would happen, but the evidence was inconclusive.

As Super Bowl LII approaches, the questions asked by players and fans about the truth behind “Nipplegate” remain largely unanswered.

While there is ambiguity surrounding the incident, it is clear that the controversy had a profound impact on both Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, forever altering their careers.