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Adam Levine’s Super Bowl nipples anger fans who claim it’s a halftime double standard

Click to play video: 'Adam Levine hits back at criticism of Maroon 5’s Super Bowl halftime performance'
Adam Levine hits back at criticism of Maroon 5’s Super Bowl halftime performance
WATCH: Adam Levine hits back at criticism of Maroon 5's Super Bowl halftime performance. – Feb 4, 2019

Adam Levine’s nipples were front and centre during the “super boring” halftime show at Sunday’s Super Bowl, angering many fans who compared the appearance of the eventually shirtless Maroon 5 frontman’s areolas to Janet Jackson’s infamous “nipplegate.”

Levine ripped off his shirt shortly into Maroon 5’s set, exposing his tattooed covered chest, and subsequently, his nipples. Both of them.

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Here’s a look.

Adam Levine of Maroon 5 performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Levine’s televised tatas “outraged” many viewers, drawing comparisons to Jackson’s infamous 2004 nipple exposure during the halftime show. During her performance, Justin Timberlake made a surprise appearance to perform a duet with Jackson. Timberlake pulled at Jackson’s top, briefly exposing Jackson’s right breast.

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READ MORE: Fans react to ‘super boring’ Maroon 5, Travis Scott Super Bowl halftime show

Viewers were quick to point out how “hypocritical” Levine’s shirtless performance was after Jackson faced severe backlash and punishment.

In this Sunday Feb. 1, 2004 file photo, Janet Jackson, covers her breast after her outfit came undone during the half time performance with Justin Timberlake at Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston. AP Photo/David Phillip

“I’m sorry but Adam Levine should get the same grief as Janet did for showing us his unclothed nipples,” reads a tweet. “More specifically, this should prove how absurd, hypocritical, racist and sexist that puritanical hysteria over Janet’s boob really was.”

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“How come Adam Levine gets to show his nipples and Janet Jackson doesn’t,” Vivian Ho questioned.

“Where’s the #nipple outrage? @JanetJackson shows one and it a state of emergency. @adamlevine shows two and everyone is all #doublestandard,” Jody Vance said.

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission fined CBS, which aired the 2004 Super Bowl, over $500,000 over the halftime “Nipplegate.” Jackson was allegedly blacklisted from radio and television for a better part of a year, while Timberlake carried on with his career with very little pushback.

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READ MORE: Maroon 5, Travis Scott donate $500K to charity before Super Bowl halftime show

“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,” Charlotte Clymer tweeted.

“Wait a damn minute!! Janet Jackson show’s a tiny bit of nipple, and all hell breaks loose. He takes off his shirt and nothing?!! What??!!!! I’m outraged!” reads another comment.

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“WHY CAN ADAM SHOW HIS NIPS BUT JANET CAN’T,” Kaitlyn Bristowe asked.

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“Super Bowl halftime nipple rules feel inconsistent,” Katie Nolan declared.

The New England Patriots went on to beat the Los Angeles Rams 13 – 3 to win Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta.

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