Attorney sues over Janet Jackson's bare breast

Watching the Super Bowl — and witnessing Janet Jackson's breast-baring "wardrobe malfunction" — might be worth thousands of dollars for a Davis County man.

Eric Stephenson, an attorney whose law office is in Farmington, has sued Viacom over the infamous incident. He filed suit against the parent company of CBS and MTV in a small claims court in Davis County, although some might say the case would be a better fit in "The People's Court." Then again, some argue it's not fit for court at all.

How much is being exposed to half of Jackson's chest worth?

Stephenson is seeking $5,000 in damages, the maximum award in small claims court, for what he's hoping will be a reverse pay-per-view show.

Stephenson, who could not be reached for comment late Wednesday, apparently is representing himself in the action. He alleges that Viacom is guilty of false advertising for not making clear exactly what the nature of the Super Bowl entertainment would be.

"Various companies owned and controlled by Viacom deceptively advertised the content and quality of a family oriented television show known as the Super Bowl," Stephenson said in his court affidavit. "Viacom advertised the show for general audiences, but instead it contained inappropriate, lewd, offensive, violent and degrading adult content," the affidavit says. "Viacom knew or should have known these advertisements were untruthful."

The incident occurred during the halftime entertainment portion of the nationally televised Super Bowl on Feb. 1.

During a duet with Jackson, Justin Timberlake ripped away a portion of Jackson's costume, briefly exposing one of her breasts, which was partially hidden by a starburst decoration. Timberlake called the situation a "wardrobe malfunction," but both he and Jackson later apologized for the episode.

Jackson also issued a statement announcing that the media outlets did not know in advance that the racy move was planned.

CBS, MTV and Viacom all have issued statements saying they did not know something like that was going to occur. MTV produced the halftime show that aired during CBS's broadcast of the game.

Salt Lake City attorney Jeff Hunt, who represents Viacom, said the company denies Stephenson's allegations.