Nipples are once again the center of controversy at a halftime Super Bowl show. But this time, they belong to Adam Levine.
The Maroon 5 frontman became am instant talking point for multiple reasons when he took off his shirt during his performance. Some took to Twitter to compare his tremendously ’90s tank top to home furnishings. Others extolled his fit body, or poked fun at his tattoos.
But many more called out a double standard in Adam Levine’s choice to go topless. They recall how back in 2004, Justin Timberlake ripped away part of Janet Jackson’s top and revealed her nipple for a split second. What was deemed by media as a “wardrobe malfunction” led to massive outrage and pandemonium—and even though Timberlake was the one who caused the nipple reveal, it was Jackson who “got fined and blacklisted by US radio”.
Twitter hasn’t forgotten.
1.
I’m sorry but Adam Levine should get the same grief as Janet did for showing us his unclothed nipples; more specifically, this should prove how absurd, hypocritical, racist and sexist that puritanical hysteria over Janet’s boob really was.
— Reappropriate (@reappropriate) February 4, 2019
2.
How come Adam Levine gets to show his nipples and Janet Jackson doesn’t
— Vivian Ho (@VivianHo) February 4, 2019
3.
Super Bowl halftime nipple rules feel inconsistent
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) February 4, 2019
4.
So, Adam Levine’s nipples are ok at the Super Bowl but Janet Jackson’s aren’t?
— Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) February 4, 2019
5.
Why is it okay to see Adam Levine’a boobs and not Janet Jackson’s?
Asking for a friend.
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) February 4, 2019
6.
Oh but we can see Adam Levine’s nipples @FCC
— Ira (@ira) February 4, 2019
7.
YOU’RE TELLING ME JAMET JACKSON CANT SHOW ONE NIPPLE BUT ADAM LEVINE CAN BE SHIRTLESS?
— Ashly Perez (@itsashlyperez) February 4, 2019
8.
This country should have a serious chat about why Adam Levine’s nipples are, uh, apparently “acceptable” on TV but Janet Jackson was shamed and blacklisted for something she didn’t even do.#SuperBowl
— Charlotte Clymer????️???? (@cmclymer) February 4, 2019
9.
I thought they outlawed nipples on the halftime show
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) February 4, 2019
10.
I guess white guy nipples are cool on CBS. ????????♀️ #SuperBowl2019
— LeslieMac ???? (@LeslieMac) February 4, 2019
11.
now I have to explain to my children that adam levine has nipples
— ziwe (@ziwe) February 4, 2019
12.
#SuperBowl Janet Jackson’s reaction when Adam Levine showed off his nipples during the halftime show pic.twitter.com/rCCnpC0XpL
— Max Powers (@MaxPowers44) February 4, 2019
13.
How am I supposed to explain Adam Levine’s nipples to my children??
— Zack Bornstein (@ZackBornstein) February 4, 2019
14.
Wait so we cut when Janet Jackson had a nipple come out but I’m forced to look at Adam Levine’s shitty tattoos?
— Devin Lytle (@devdevnumnums) February 4, 2019
15.
Me, seeing Adam Levine’s nipples instead of a heart-wrenching rendition of Sweet Victory: pic.twitter.com/nDi5XjdouF
— Sam (@smajeffords) February 4, 2019
16.
Excuse me I am OUTRAGED by Adam Levine’s nipples JUSTICE FOR JANET
— ella dawson (@brosandprose) February 4, 2019
17.
How does Adam Levine get to intentionally reveal both nipples, his belly, his whole back, underarms, left and right obliques, and every tattoo he has above his waist, but Janet Jackson can’t accidentally show 1 nipple?
— Rockie (@mywhiterockie) February 4, 2019
18.
wow. so brave of adam levine to honor janet jackson’s legacy by showing us both his nipples.
— vicky mochama (@vmochama) February 4, 2019
Bring back Left Shark in 2020.