# There were TWO stupid popstars **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 3, 2004, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323 "2004-02-03T14:47:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Eats\_Crayons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Eats\_Crayons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eats_Crayons)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/1 "2004-02-03T14:47:48Z")
Dear late night news crew, I am annoyed. I am annoyed that Jackson/Timberlake are getting so much coverage (pun somewhat intended). I’m annoyed that the media is making a mountain out of a mole hill (pun somewhat intended) but more so, I’m annoyed that you seem to have decided that it’s all Jackson’s fault. Your story barely mentioned Timberlake at all. “Jackson exposed herself…” “…Janet Jackson has bared almost all to sell albums in the past…” “This time did Jackson go too far?..” Hello! There were TWO lip-synching idiots on that stage. Jackson alone did not flash millions. Timberlake had his hand in it (pun somehwat intended). But your story was Jackson, Jackson, Jackson. If she had torn a codpiece off of him, exposing his twins, would you be saying “Timberlake went too far?” or would the onus still be on Jackson. This wouldn’t have pissed me off so much, except that while we were watching _CSI_ and a commercial for the news came on, Sniffs\_Markers eyed the news teaser and snorted “Betcha it’s gonna be ‘the woman’s fault’ and the guy will be forgotten.” She was joking!.. But to our surprise, that’s almost exactly what you did! Gah! :smack: ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/2 "2004-02-03T14:56:04Z")
I agree. It just dawned on me that if Justin had been, say, 50 Cent, and Janet had been, say, Jessica Simpson, we would be seeing a reversal of the blame. I expect people to disagree with me, but that hasn’t stopped me from expressing an opinion before. ---
**Author:** ![Lucki\_Chaarms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de0a6/32.png) [@Lucki\_Chaarms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucki_Chaarms)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/3 "2004-02-03T14:56:38Z")
All I want to know is, if that was a “wardrobe malfunction” or a mistake of some other kind, what exactly was supposed to happen when he reached over and yanked on that detachable breast concealing device? Disclaimer: All I have seen of this is a single frame someone posted on another board, but if the information I’m getting is correct (the odds aren’t stellar), this HAD to have been planned. LC ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/4 "2004-02-03T15:01:31Z")
> [@Lucki Chaarms](#): > > Disclaimer: All I have seen of this is a single frame someone posted on another board Me too. Is there an mpeg or something of this so that those of us who missed the live broadcast can at least give it some context? ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/5 "2004-02-03T15:03:39Z")
> [@Lucki Chaarms](#): > > All I want to know is, if that was a “wardrobe malfunction” or a mistake of some other kind, what exactly was supposed to happen when he reached over and yanked on that detachable breast concealing device? The best alternate explanation I heard was from Jackson’s PR person on [espn.com](http://espn.com) last night, that there was a red lace/mesh undergarment under the bustier (which you can see poking out over the top of the bustier in photos), and that when Timberlake ripped off the cup, he also ripped the lace off. The intent had been that only the cup would come free, and she would still be covered with a layer of lace, with a hint of the piercing jewelry showing through it. However, I haven’t seen a replay video so I don’t know if that is a feasible explanation. ---
**Author:** ![Dante](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dante/32/9673_2.png) [@Dante](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dante)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/6 "2004-02-03T15:29:13Z")
> [@Eats\_Crayons](#): > > There were TWO lip-synching idiots on that stage. Jackson alone did not flash millions. Timberlake had his hand in it (pun somehwat intended). But your story was Jackson, Jackson, Jackson. If she had torn a codpiece off of him, exposing his twins, would you be saying “Timberlake went too far?” or would the onus still be on Jackson. Respectfully, I have to disagree. Both Timberlake and Jackson were following a script. If it had been one of her backup dancers that malfunctioned the wardrobe, the “who” of it wouldn’t be an issue. Ultimately, the decision to expose her breast would be up to Ms. Jackson, and therefore “Jackson exposed her breast” is accurate. FWIW, I think that if Jackson had torn a codpiece off Timberlake, it would definitely have come back as “Timberlake went too far.” Followed immediately by “Timberlake savagely beaten by repressed homosexual football fans who got a little chub at the sight of his giggle stick.” That last part is pure speculation. ---
**Author:** ![Eats\_Crayons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Eats\_Crayons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eats_Crayons)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/7 "2004-02-03T15:52:20Z")
> [@Dante](#): > > FWIW, I think that if Jackson had torn a codpiece off Timberlake, it would definitely have come back as “Timberlake went too far.” Followed immediately by “Timberlake savagely beaten by repressed homosexual football fans who got a little chub at the sight of his giggle stick.” You actually think they could have seen it from the stands? Wow, I underestimated the boy! And I disagree with your assessment. I still think with equal billing (it was a duet, not a solo) they are equally responsible for the choreography in which they engaged. When Timberlake sings “I’m gonna have you naked by the end of this song” and then tears off the garment, then he’s got a much bigger role to play than just an anonymous background dancer. He was as equally prominent in his “starring role” - they were _co-stars_ and as such bear _equal_ responisibilty. Personally I think they are making amountain out of a mole-hill 😃 and those saying “but _children_ were watching!!!” clearly haven’t looked at the screen while their kids are watching MTV lately, but either way, if the media is going to direct their disdain at the reveal – it should be for the two who have equal billing and equally agreed to take part. Saying Timberlake was just following a script implies he had a lot less creative control than he surely had. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/8 "2004-02-03T16:09:58Z")
I’m in the “This was completely inappropriate” camp. Exposed breasts are not something I want to see during the Super Bowl. That said, whether it was planned or not, the sticking point for me is that a man ripped off part of a woman’s clothing. I do not think that is _ever_ acceptable to portray that in public. Whatever two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home is one thing, but a man ripping off a woman’s shirt, even as part of a concert? Uh-uh. ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/9 "2004-02-03T16:17:08Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > Me too. Is there an mpeg or something of this so that those of us who missed the live broadcast can at least give it some context? [Sure](http://wwwb.aftonbladet.se/vss/streaming/tv_fonster/1,5208,m0no040202janet_I_qt380,00.html?avdelningslage=) **WARNING: THIS IS A LINK TO THE ACTUALY FOOTAGE FROM THE BROADCAST OF THE SUPER BOWL AND AS SUCH, IT CONTAINS A BRIEF GLIMPSE OF JANET JACKSON’S RIGHT KNOCKER. BECAUSE OF THIS, IT MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR WORK, AND ANYONE WHO IS OFFENDED BY THE SIGHT OF BARE TIT-FLESH REALLY NEEDS TO GET A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE(and prolly shouldn’t click on the link).** Mods, is that warning clear enough? If not, break the link. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/10 "2004-02-03T16:17:16Z")
I must protest the OP. There were _not_ TWO stupid popstars but (hold on, gotta count–Kid Rock, Jackson, Timberlake, Nelly, P Diddy) but FIVE stupid popstars for the halftime show. ---
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/11 "2004-02-03T16:24:37Z")
> [@Ferret Herder](#): > > The best alternate explanation I heard was from Jackson’s PR person on [espn.com](http://espn.com) last night, that there was a red lace/mesh undergarment under the bustier (which you can see poking out over the top of the bustier in photos), and that when Timberlake ripped off the cup, he also ripped the lace off. The intent had been that only the cup would come free, and she would still be covered with a layer of lace, with a hint of the piercing jewelry showing through it. However, I haven’t seen a replay video so I don’t know if that is a feasible explanation. From the pictures (which I have subjected to intense scrutiny), it looks like the red lace was attached just to the edge of the bustier. My take is that, either they were both in on it, or Timbertoes expected a full lace undergarment and got the surprise of his career. Either way, I’m sure it’s Janet’s career that gets the boost from this one. ---
**Author:** ![cherry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/da6949/32.png) [@cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cherry)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/12 "2004-02-03T16:29:53Z")
You know Lil Kim wore an outfit similar to the one Janet had on wrt exposed boobage during the Grammies a few years ago, which was also prime time tv. Diana Ross who was presenting with Lil Kim even grabbed her exposed boob, (they both had stars over the nipple) whether it was planned or an accident they both are similar situations on TV, so why the uproar now? ---
**Author:** ![Eats\_Crayons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Eats\_Crayons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eats_Crayons)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/13 "2004-02-03T16:47:34Z")
> [@cherry](#): > > You know Lil Kim wore an outfit similar to the one Janet had on wrt exposed boobage during the Grammies a few years ago, which was also prime time tv. Diana Ross who was presenting with Lil Kim even grabbed her exposed boob, (they both had stars over the nipple) whether it was planned or an accident they both are similar situations on TV, so why the uproar now? Just for calirfication, my OP beef has little to do with the “reveal”. I don’t actually give a rat’s ass. MTV is regularly far raunchier than the snappy half-time show. The actual reveal was far less lewd than the media would have it seem. But the fact that my local news was showing disdain at only one of two equally-billed performers was irksome. PR kind of boggled it too. It should have been a _joint statement_ saying that the planned reveal went wrong. Not a Bart Simpson-like “I didn’t do it!” from Timberlake’s camp, followed by a separate Jackson statement later on. At least Jackson’s statement owned up to the deliberate stunt and clarified that red lace was “supposed” to be underneath. :dubious: Timberlake’s quick “malfunctioning wardrobe” just strained at the bra strap credibility and made the first good catch-phrase of 2004. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/14 "2004-02-03T16:50:07Z")
Well, assuming it was intentional – and I don’t see how it couldn’t have been – then, sure, I think Ms. Jackson was more to blame because it was her tit hanging in the wind, presumably with her permission. But I agree with IVYLASS, the whole “I’m going to have you naked by the end of this song”/ then he rips her bra off dichotomy was what bothered me most. To the extent I was bothered, which frankly was “not very.” Which is not to say Justin wasn’t partly responsible as well. It’s just hard for me to come up with enough blame to go around, without giving the incident more total blame than I think it deserves. If that makes sense. And IIRC, Lil’ Kim’s boob, with purple pasty, later groped by Diana Ross, made its appearance on MTV, where the standards are different than they are on broadcast TV, and consequently you can get away with more. ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/15 "2004-02-03T17:03:19Z")
the Lil Kim boobage was indeed on MTV (of course _L_) If you see the close-up still, JJ nipple wasn’t fully covered by the sunburst piercing- there was a nice bit of areola visible around and the actual nip itself sticking through a whole in the middle of the sun. Man, I analyzed that like Garrison with the Zapruder film! _L_ ---
**Author:** ![wakimika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f08c70/32.png) [@wakimika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wakimika)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/16 "2004-02-03T17:07:47Z")
MTV does get fairly raunchy, which is why many parents block the channel. I doubt many parents felt the need to block the Super Bowl half-time festivities. Blech. Kid Rock? Puff Doodle? Fire everyone for subjecting the world to these no-talent jackals. Beyoncé was already there. And she can actually sing (not lip-sync.) That would have been all the half-time show I needed. ---
**Author:** ![Sublight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2004, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-were-two-stupid-popstars/227323/17 "2004-02-03T17:37:56Z")
> [@FriarTed](#): > > Man, I analyzed that like Garrison with the Zapruder film! _L_ “Down, and to the left.”