Fans Question Why Adam Levine Can Be Shirtless, And Janet Jackson Couldn’t

Fans took to social media right after Adam Levine took his shirt off, noting that Janet Jackson was criticized for her infamous wardrobe malfunction during her 2004 Super Bowl set with Justin Timberlake. 

Most of them were asking: How is it fair that Janet got flagged but Adam didn’t? 

After the 2004 incident, Justin and Janet issued apologies, and the Federal Communications Commission charged CBS, the network that broadcast the game that year (and this year as well), with a $550,000 indecency fine for the incident. It was later dubbed “Nipplegate.” 

Justin spoke ahead of his performance at the 2018 Super Bowl last year, saying both he and Janet have made amends since then. 

Maroon 5 later responded to the criticism. Read their social media post below:

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When we accepted the responsibility to perform at the SBHTS, I took out my pen and just wrote. Some of the words that came to me in that moment eventually made their way onto the incredible lanterns that flew high and low tonight. We thank the universe for this historic opportunity to play on the world’s biggest stage. We thank our fans for making our dreams possible. And we thank our critics for always pushing us to do better. One Love. ❤️ And the list of words is… Forgive Laugh Cry Smile Share Live Endure Embrace Remember Enlighten Preserve Inspire Sweat Fight Express Give Receive Elevate Climb Unify Fortify Soften Dance Scream Dream Educate Provide Inhale Exhale Persevere Stand Kneel Overcome Love Listen

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Do you think it’s fair? Or are fans just rehashing ancient history?