Janet Jackson made headlines after her Super Bowl Performance in 2004. The halftime show, which also featured Justin Timberlake, spawned a media storm due to an apparent wardrobe malfunction. Jackson's studded nipple was exposed to millions of viewers. The Federal Communications Commission issued a $550 000 fine to MTV and CBS as producers of the half-time show.
Les Moonves, the CEO and chairman of CBS, is said to blame Janet Jackson for the whole incident, despite Justin Timberlake's involvement. According to recent reports, the media heavy-hitter sought to punish Janet Jackson for not showing enough remorse after the scandal.
"Moonves ordered Viacom properties VH1 and MTV, and all Viacom-owned radio stations, to stop playing Jackson’s songs and music videos. The move had a huge impact on sales of her album Damita Jo, which was released in March 2004, just a month after the Super Bowl.
A major point of controversy, particularly among Jackson’s black fans, was that the reaction to the wardrobe malfunction fell solely on Jackson’s shoulders, even though Timberlake was the one who actually pulled off the fabric to reveal her breast. While Jackson’s career was significantly damaged, Timberlake’s flourished. CBS insiders who spoke to me felt strongly that Moonves played a large part in how Jackson was perceived by the public."
This concept will only fortify his image as a misogynist. Moonves is currently facing sexual harassment allegations.