Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy

Super Bowl XXXVIII was noted for a controversial halftime show which was presented by MTV. Singers Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were performing a duet of Timberlake's song Rock Your Body. The performance featured many suggestive dance moves by both Timberlake and Jackson. As the song reached the final line, "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song," Timberlake pulled off a part of Jackson's costume, revealing her right breast (adorned with a large, sun-shaped nipple ring). Many people considered this indecent exposure, and numerous viewers contacted the television station to complain, saying this was inappropriate for this televised event. Jackson and Timberlake have stated that the exposure was an accident. CBS (which broadcast the game and halftime show live), MTV, the NFL, Jackson, and Timberlake have all apologized for the incident. Jackson later admitted the stunt was planned beforehand, but "went further than she planned." According to her spokeswoman, a red lace bra was supposed to remain when Timberlake tore off the outer covering.

Subsequently, the NFL announced that MTV will never be involved in another halftime show. Besides Jackson's accidental exposure, the show featured numerous dancers and other participants in immodest costumes which many viewers felt were inappropriate for a sporting event. Going mostly unnoticed was Kid Rock's wearing of an American flag with a hole cut in it for his head; later in his performance he unceremoniously dumped the flag onto the stage. Many people would consider this an act of flag desecration.

On the 4th of February, Terri Carlin launched a class action lawsuit against Jackson and Timberlake on behalf of "all American citizens who watched the outrageous conduct". The action alleges that the halftime show contained "sexually explicit acts solely designed to garner publicity and, ultimately, to increase profits for themselves". The action is seeking "maximum" punitive and compensatory damages from the performers.

Just after the Jackson-Timberlake controversy, famed streaker Mark Roberts added to the controversial halftime by running around the field naked, a little before the start of the game's third quarter.