This isn't a shocking WTF. It's more of a confusing WTF. Back in the day when watching Mad TV. Will Sasso was doing Jesse ventura when all of a sudden, wrestler Bret Hart came out and started to attack Will. Then later on during the credits you could see Hart getting ready to charge Will again. Then this whole thing on Nitro with Will and Hart fighting and Debra Wilson is at ring side and she betrays Will. I was like WTF again. I know it sounds stupid but it blurred the lines between reality, pro wrestling, and sketch comedy.

Janet Jackson has a piercing there?! Did everyone else know this?

(The above is referring to Justin Timberlake ripping off JJ's top during the halftime show at the Superbowl.)

Buffy: Jenny Calendar getting her neck snapped by Angel. Gruesome.

Sopranos: not quite a WTF moment, but the episode in season one where Junior tries to have Tony assasinated. The POV is Tony's depressed (to the point of being nearly comatose) state of mind, jarred suddenly by an ambush.

My wife and I were on the edge of ours seats the entire episode. I would say that season was as perfect as a show gets. I almost wish it had ended there.

Janet Jackson, this year's Super Bowl half time show, definitely. Mastercard should make a commercial.

It looks more like a pastie than a piercing in this photo, but a piercing wouldn't be all that shocking. In this photo, it looks like a piercing. The pastie would suggest that the rip was planned...maybe I'm naive for hoping it wasn't? Planned or not, that was tacky.

Woo, bet CBS gets a whole lotta lettahs! (and, BWAH that the photos are already out on the wire).

Super enlarged image of the nipple in question....definitely a piercing.

Just popping in to add "WORD" to the Super Bowl peep, er, I mean half-time show. I could.not.BELIEVE.that. Oh, and I knew she was pierced. She talked about years ago in a Rolling Stone cover story. I think she has her...nah nah pierced too.

I could not believe what I saw during the halftime show. I was shocked and rendered speechless as were the majority of the guys around me. The nipple seen around the world was one of the most shocking things I have ever seen on television.

She's had that for years, she also has one on her clitorus.

There was nothing shocking about seeing a nipple on TV, it's about as shocking as seeing a couple of women kissing. Senseless T&A. I'm more disgusted having to watch those awful toilet-humor jokes float around on those Superbowl ads. What is wrong with our civilization?

When Buffy jumped to her death in the S5 finale. Since, the local paper called it the “series finale”, I thought it was all over. Shocked to pieces, I was.

The season finale of MI5, when Tom walks into the ocean? I still don’t know WTF that’s about.

Alex getting blown in half on Third Watch.

Cordelia’s ascension to become a higher being, on Angel.

True life tv moment:

Sometime last year, a banner on one of the 24-hr-news channels said a man accidentally shot and killed himself while beating his dog with the butt of his gun. WTF? I had to read it twice to be sure I understood correctly. Then, I laughed.

Nursing mothers rarely apologize for having breasts. As far as I'm concerned, neither should CBS (ditto for Ms. Jackson!!).

The existence of breasts is not offensive and does not require an apology. The unwanted exposure of a breast (take a look at Janet Jackson's face— she's not happy) does require an apology. I'm more disturbed now that I think Justin Timberlake will parlay this into some sort of commercial success and add to his notoriety, without apologizing to Janet Jackson at the very least. I wish she would smack him down.

I questioned the fact that she is the one doing the apologizing. However, it had to be planned by the two of them. Who is responsible for the costume "malfunction." That wouldn't be JT. He could, nevertheless, be questioned for ripping the shit out of the costume. Maybe it wasn't made to withstand that much pressure from the rip. Who knows. I like to think, whether you like his music or not, that he is a descent guy and will apologize in some shape or form sooner or later.

If you look at the super enlarged picture, you can see snaps around the area where the breast plate was attached. Otherwise, Justin would have had to be the Incredible Hulk to tear off a perfectly cup shaped piece of leather. It seems as though there was supposed to be a red pasty of sorts, but it got torn off too.
I totally doubt that this wasn't staged by the two of them beforehand. At least the media is having a feeding frenzy on her instead of her brother, KWIM?

Nah. Looks staged to me. Look at how she whips her head around - looks choreographed.

I see what you mean ajra, but it looks as if there was some ripping that was staged, but a liitle too much ripping actually happened. That little clip shows that she whipped her head around and then sort of had a split second "oh, it's really windy. Wait. Why the hell is the wind blowing around my boob?" moment and then proceeded to cover it up.

Seriously. It's just a damn breast. They shouldn't be acting like someone died, for Christ's sake. Then again, it is hilarious to see all the overreaction.

But the outfit has snaps there (like Coffee said), indicating that that piece was meant to come off. And don't you think Justin would have looked the tiniest bit surprised if it weren't supposed to happen that way?

Face it, Janet hasn't had a hit in a while and Justin needed his name out there after the Britney marriage. I don't think Janet is the sexually shy type, what with her Rollling Stone cover where she used Rene's hands to cover her and her description of her x-rated Mickey and Minnie Mouse tattoo.

And the fact that the cup justin ripped off had buttons all around it. For easy access. I'm thinking maybe Justin didn't know but Janet planned it all along. Maybe she was getting back at CBS for not letting her wear that Michael Jackson innocent T-Shirt.




I think it was pretty much over at that point. In pictures relased online last nigt, one could see Janet clutching her boob with fireworks exploding around her. We didn't see that on TV.

I work for a CBS affiliate. We had two complaints waiting on voicemail this morning, both from mothers, including one who claimed her 8 year old daughter was 'traumatized' by the incident. The whole 'protect the chirrun' attitude in this country has gotten ridiculous. And now CBS has just set up a hot line specifically for these complaints. Official stance is that the show was produced by MTV and CBS is not responsible.

I agree that a breast is not offensive, but it was around 5:00 west coast time. Families having dinner, kids are watching. It was totally unappropriate.

Let's not forget that "malfunction" happened as Justin was singing "I'm going to have you naked by the end of this song."

*edited for typo

You just might be right, ajra. I rememvber that a little while ago Janet was nattering on an on in interviews about how the Britneys of the world are usurping her position and making it harder to stay around. I'm just disappointed because I always thought she was better than that. Oh well.

Not to mention Nelly had just sung.... so take off all your clothes.......
Did any of Kid Rock's lyrics suggest clothes off? Curious? anyone?

ETA: Was there more halftime planned? It just *boom* stopped at that moment.

Two words: attention whores. What I despise about this type of stunt is, even when you simply say you're disgusted by the stunt, you're still playing into the hype.

I find it very amusing that there has been such a hoopla this morning in the news about Janet Jackson's breast, but not one mention from the press about Kid Rock's flag poncho. (Yes, I've read a couple mentions here, and bless you).

In my book, flag desecration ranks much higher than exposed nipple for shock value. Nelly's incessant crotch-grabbing, like a 2yo who has to potty, who more shocking than Janet's breast. Hell, announcing P. Diddy as a half-time act was more shocking. And personally, I was shocked and dismayed that Diddy was allowed to play with "Mickey". That makes me very sad.

I'm waiting to see when this hits Scarred for Life.

You know, they cut away so quick that it was more like a "Whoa, he's tearing off her top!" reaction than "Ooooh, I can see a boobie." I guess they did break the sacred nipple law, though.

Exactly! It was so fast, there's no way anyone got a clear view of her chest to tell for sure they had seen nipple. AP got the pics up within five minutes, though, and they spread quickly (based on the links people were posting here last night).

It was at least 20 minutes, and after the AP pics began circulating, that anyone made a statement. And the first statement was from CBS, passing blame to MTV, and the NFL saying MTV will never do halftime again. All damage control after the fact. If no statements had come out, no pictures spread, it would be a non-issue.

I`m sorry but...boy, the US is prudish.

It`s just a stupid naked breast, no matter if it`s 5 pm or 8 pm or 10 pm and no matter who sees it. What I find much more shocking is all the fuss about it.




Most shocking moment on TV for me: 7th Heaven`s last episode "Healing Old Wounds". Shocking because I can`t believe something like that is even allowed to go on the air and is not meant as a joke.

When the performers for the half-time show were named, there was an announcement that there would be a "surprise guest". After the half-time show we all now know who the "surprise guest" was, Janet Jackson's right breast....hee hee. Yeah, i'm twelve.

I'm shocked that the FTC is having a cow over it. Jesus, it is just a boob. Admittedly, there was some weird silvery attachment on the boob, but you'd think people could just laugh it off and move on with their lives. My 5 1/2 year old daughter was up late watching because she loves Janet Jackson. She saw what happened and then said, "Is it over? Can you read me a story now?" All the crap that's on tv and the FTC is worried about a breast. Oy.



I don't know if we're just freakishly dysfunctional or what, but if my family, including me and my three brothers had been watching that shit during dinner and seen Janet's boob on tv, all of us would have just laughed ourselves silly. And my mom would just shake her head and pretend like she wasn't laughing. Again. Just. A. Boob. I feel sorry for a family that is unable to deal with the sudden appearance of accidental partial nudity. It happens. (Even if not accidental)

We watched the Lingerie Bowl at half-time and were surprised there wasn't any nudity shown there, then we turn it back to CBS and whoa! there's nudity!! Like someone else said, it happened so quick we were more surprised that her top came off than seeing a boob. But, assuming this was planned, it's very irrisponsible of CBS, MTV, Janet, Justin & whomever to have let this happen.

I don't have kids, I'm not offended by nudity, but I can understand why some parents would be upset.

It had been less than 15 hours and already the ladies on the "View" are calling the incident "NippleGate". I'm not sure who said it first.
I believe the last time was on the Today show a girl exposed herself as a stunt for her favorite shock jocks. I'm not offended at all. ;)
So, what's next? Somebody (sic) de-pantsing Mr. Timberlake??

It's so funny all the different reactions from people. I was shocked to the point of... I gotta see a picture... was that real or fake... if it was an accident then why did she have a sequened patch over her nipple (because it happened so fast)...? We talked and laughed about it for hours after that.

I knew I could count on my TWoP people to get me the photos and info pronto! Love that.

phxchic, I really do see your point about the American flag. However, in these days and times with people showing their patriotism in so many diverse ways, no one can tell me that Kid Rock meant to show any kind of disrespect. I think he has kind of an "in your face" attitude about it. Much like if they had flashed a picture of Sadaam or Osama, I picture him grabbing his crotch and shooting the bird. Neither would be my reactions, but I guess that's his way of being a proud American.

My beef with the Janet/Justin moment is that it's adding MORE fuel to the fire of men being in power, women just there to be sex objects. This attitude is all over our society and I am SO sick of it. Apparently that's how the men in charge of the media want it to be, and I find it offensive. I would like to be appreciated for myself as a person, NOT a woman, but you'll rarely find scenarios in the media promoting that type of relationship.

I'm disturbed by the assumption that the performers arranged it, because it's a stone's throw (obscure pun) from "she asked for it." I'm disturbed by the reactions from CBS and the NFL, as if a woman's breast is inherently "dirty". I'm disturbed that Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson have nothing to say about it, apology or otherwise. I'm disturbed that somebody else's kids get to watch television during dinner, because I wasn't allowed.

I'm not disturbed by nudity, despite all efforts to convince me that I should be or else I'm a perv.

Justin *did* apologize

My only thing with "Nipplegate" is that I seriously doubt it was an accident. I'm sure it was one of those "It seemed like a cool idea at the time" plans that went awry.

Miss Jackson hasn't said a word about what happened. So if she isn't bitching, Justin shouldn't have had to apologize for something he was obviously directed by Janet to do.

"Wardrobe Malfunction", indeed. {;"D

Now I'm shocked that Justin Timberlake can use polysyllabic words.

yes jerry, I laughed too when this story broke. Karma is a bitch my friend.

No, no, Bach-us. Justin Timberlake's publicist can use polysyllabic words. There is, after all, a difference...

ETA: And now, the FCC is opening an investigation. Could this possibly have become more ridiculous?!

And I agree with you--I don't think he was intending to be disrespectful. Maybe I'm becoming an old woman as I come closer to 30, but I was not raised to show my respect in such a manner.

Anyone else familiar with the Plain English awards? Ten bucks says "wardrobe malfunction" will make the list for 2004.

This is what our tax dollars are being used for? WTF!?!

Word. On European and South American TV I've seen nudity at all hours of the day, even on TV commercials. It's a matter-of-fact thing that no one gives a second thought to. Can't say I'm surprised about all the controversy though. You can see folks get shot, stabbed and maimed dozens of times here and no one says a word...but a naked boob or behind and all hell breaks loose. It's nuts.

Wordy McWord. ITA.

Every woman has breasts. Big whoop. We as a society are way too uptight about nudity. What are we teaching our kids? That their bodies are disgusting? I mean, yes, there's a time and a place for everything. But...it's a breast. Love the breast. Live the breast. LOL

Kid Rock's little stunt with the flag, however, pissed me off to no end. Yes, I'm a super-left-wing, bleeding-heart liberal Democrat. And yes, I am fiercely patriotic. I was raised to respect the flag. You do NOT tear the flag, or dirty it, or let it touch the ground. And you do NOT adorn yourself with a flag. It's HIGHLY disrespectful. Kid Rock likes to go around and make all his patriotic noises, but obviously he can't be bothered to learn proper flag etiquette. Not surprising, since he also apparently can't be bothered to learn proper hygiene, or any sort of fashion sense, or the fact that objectifying women is wrong and hurtful.

Also Word. The US is ridiculously prudish. Nothing wrong with or dirty about boobs. And if I saw that as a kid, I would've laughed myself silly too!

Perhaps, though, some little kids might be disturbed by the CONTEXT of the boob reveal. Man rips shirt off woman, her boob is exposed, she looks shocked and covers herself. It was presented as sexually invasive, and I can understand that that image of a woman being pawed at and exposed might upset some kids.

So while I have no problem seeing a boob, I would fault Ms. Jackson and Justin for the squicky context of that maneuver.

That said, I don't think I'd have a problem with it if it went both ways. Like, after he exposed her, she could've reached over and removed a strategic cock patch, or something. Hee! Tit for Tat!

Also, I think some kids might be freaked out by the metallic nipple attachment. It kinda freaks me out, and I'm a grown up. It looks like it would hurt! Ouchie!

I actually agree with this. I just don`t think anyone in the media was ever commenting on how Janet Jackson might have felt about being exposed liked that, it was just about how this is just a big scandal because...woooohooo...naked female breast.

I am European and if anything like that would have happened here people would talk about it for a while, they`d have a laugh, maybe they would comment on her being pretty and that would be that. No big scandal and nothing to be ashamed of for her. Things like that just happen in live shows.

So what imo the real problem is that in US media and society naked people seemed to be turned into something dirty. And that`s why this whole thing is getting that much out of proportion.


edited for clarification

I agree completely. The sight of a breast is not offensive to me, but if Timberlake exposed Janet Jackson's breast purposefully without her consent, well that is deplorable. Even that lame "apology" shows he isn't taking it seriously. Janet Jackson is not stupid, she has to know that as a black woman, she would be castigated and condemned by the public for this incident. I hope she will succeed despite this unfortunate show.

I'm glad MTV will never do the Super Bowl halftime again. Remember when MTV used to run a half-hour of Beavis and Butthead as an alternative halftime show? Good times.

What shocked me most was that it was JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE pulling these moves. I thought he was going for more of the sad perv ethos (cf the "Cry Me A River" video), and then suddenly he's going for the grope.

I agree that if this was unplanned, and JT exposed JJ without her knowledge or consent, that this was a despicable act. But I don't understand what Janet's race has to do with anything. Would there be less commotion if the woman in question was Britney or Shakira? A breast is a breast is a breast.

If this was unplanned, then it was a sexually assaultive action against a woman, period. Race has nothing to do with it.

Forget Janet's breast.

MY most puzzling Super Bowl Halftime moment was when KISS was the act, surrounded by dozens of dancing cheerleaders in Gene Simmons makeup and majorette skirts.