Behind the music: 5 concert moments that escalated into public scandals

From awkward kiss cams to wardrobe malfunctions, these on-stage moments spiralled into headline-making controversies.

Not every concert goes as planned. These five major performances sparked backlash, lawsuits, and lasting controversy.

Coldplay Kiss Cam Catastrophe (2025)

At Coldplay’s Gillette Stadium concert, a light-hearted kiss cam moment turned into a viral scandal. The cam landed on Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR head Kristin Cabot—both married, but not to each other. Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” and the internet did the rest. Their stunned colleague, Alyssa Stoddard, also became a meme, as online sleuths pieced together the corporate affair in real time.

The 1975 Sued for Stage Kiss in Malaysia (2024)

The 1975’s Matty Healy kissed a male bandmate and criticised Malaysia’s anti-LGBT laws during a Good Vibes Festival performance. The organisers cancelled the event and later filed a $2.4 million lawsuit, citing breach of contract and intentional provocation. Healy defended the act as consistent with their routine but even LGBTQ+ Malaysians felt the gesture made things harder for locals.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Eiffel Tower Simulation (2025)

During a Paris tour stop, pop star Sabrina Carpenter turned heads with a graphic stage moment. Performing “Juno,” she simulated a three-way sexual act with dancers, mimicking the Eiffel Tower position. Though known for provocative routines, this one pushed the envelope further, dividing fans between impressed and unimpressed.

Justin Timberlake’s NSFW Harness Mishap (2024)

While performing in Nashville, Justin Timberlake’s harness tugged a bit too tightly, causing an unfortunate bulge visible to thousands of fans. The viral TikTok had users joking about “seeing Timber’s timber.” The mishap came amid tour cancellations and lingering scrutiny over his past controversies—some called it karma for the 2004 Super Bowl incident with Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson’s ‘Nipplegate’ (2004)

No concert scandal list is complete without the original shock moment. During the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, Justin Timberlake tore part of Janet Jackson’s costume, briefly exposing her chest to millions. Jackson’s career suffered for years, while Timberlake continued to rise, sparking ongoing debates about sexism and accountability in the industry.