Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl will be the focus of the latest documentary in The New York Times Presents series.
“Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson” will premiere via FX and Hulu on November 19.
Jackson faced heavy backlash in 2004 over her performance during the Super Bowl halftime show. Pop singer Justin Timberlake exposed Jackson’s breast to millions of viewers. A wardrobe malfunction was cited for the error. However, many blamed Jackson while Timberlake was allowed off the hook.
Jackson was essentially ostracized from the industry and Timberlake’s career continued to skyrocket. He did not speak out in her defense and left her to take the hits.
According to Deadline, the documentary “will examine the racial and cultural currents that collided on the Super Bowl stage, and explores how the incident impacted one of the most successful pop musicians in history.”
The documentary will feature rare footage and interviews with several people who were at the controls that night in Houston. NFL and MTV executives will speak and events of the night will be reconstructed.
During a 2006 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jackson affirmed that she felt “all the emphasis was put on me,” following the scandal “as opposed to us.” She agreed that Timberlake “left her hanging.”
In March, Timberlake issued an apology to Jackson and to his ex-girlfriend, Britney Spears: “I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed,” the post from Timberlake said. “Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again.”
Jackson fans did not accept Timberlake’s late apology and the superstar then posted a tearful video to her fans as a response to Timberlake’s apology.
