Tom Brady might think Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction was a net positive for the NFL, but that doesn’t mean anyone is hoping for a sequel. In fact, as the new FCC Chairman prepares for his first Super Bowl at the helm, he’s facing a challenge of his own — one that comes with a single, simple request.
Brady, set to make his Super Bowl debut as an announcer, previously argued that the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show incident wasn’t all bad for the league.
But for the new FCC Chair, Brendan Carr, it’s not even a discussion worth having
“This is going to be the first Super Bowl where I’m chairman of the FCC,” Carr said via Fox News Digital, cracking a smile. “So one ask I have – please, no wardrobe malfunctions this Sunday. That’s my only ask. That would ruin my evening.”
Carr, who took over as chairman last month, didn’t need to reference the infamous incident from nearly two decades ago — because he didn’t have to. Say “wardrobe malfunction” and “Super Bowl” in the same sentence; pretty much everyone knows exactly what you’re talking about.
But, for anyone who doesn’t remember, the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show was produced by MTV, and the finale featured Justin Timberlake’s Rock Your Body. After singing the last line, “Gonna have you naked by the end of this song,” Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson’s costume, exposing her right breast. MTV and CBS both issued apologies for the incident after the Super Bowl.
But apologies weren’t enough.
The FCC received over half a million complaints, prompting an investigation that later resulted in a $550,000 fine against CBS. However, the penalty was later rescinded by the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Is any publicity bad publicity, though?
For the NFL, it might depend on who you ask. For the FCC and Carr, it’s absolutely, positively, no.
