Janet Jackson's Designer Claims Super Bowl Reveal Was Planned
Wayne Scot Lukas argues the 2004 halftime moment was an intentional wardrobe choice, not a malfunction.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Wayne Scot Lukas, the designer who created Janet Jackson's outfit for Super Bowl XXXVIII, stated on November 3 that the famous wardrobe reveal was intentional. Lukas told TMZ Live that the team planned to expose Jackson's breast during the performance, but the broadcast failed to cut to black immediately after the moment.
The incident occurred in February 2004 during the halftime show. At the time, Jackson described the event as an unintended wardrobe malfunction. Justin Timberlake, who was her featured performer, issued a public apology to the public but has never confirmed or denied Lukas's specific account of the events.
Lukas explained that the original design concept was different from what viewers saw on television. He claimed the initial plan involved exposing Jackson's backside using a G-string. He stated that the team changed the plan just days before the game, deciding to reveal her breast instead. Lukas said he still possesses the G-string from the original design.
The designer argued that the outfit was constructed to allow for the reveal. He alleged that the production team had specific instructions to cut to black right after the moment. Instead, cameras continued to broadcast the performance, sending the image to millions of viewers at home.
Lukas said the controversy damaged his career. He expressed frustration that Timberlake never reached out to apologize to him directly. Lukas believes Timberlake should use his upcoming Apple TV docuseries to explain what happened. The four-part series, directed by Fisher Stevens, is expected to arrive in December.
The report on the docuseries indicates it will revisit the Super Bowl controversy and Timberlake's past relationship with Britney Spears. Spears reportedly declined an invitation to participate in the series. Her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me, included details about their relationship.
The fallout from the 2004 halftime show triggered an investigation by the Federal Communications Commission. The agency fined CBS $550,000, a penalty that was later overturned. Jackson has continued her musical career, recently marking the 40th anniversary of her album Control.
