http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistor...politan/2382833
CBS and the NFL disavowed a Super Bowl halftime performance Sunday night that concluded with Justin Timberlake baring Janet Jackson's right breast.
The incident was so upsetting to the NFL that it suggested MTV won't be permitted to produce another halftime show.
"We were extremely disappointed by moments of the MTV-produced halftime show," said Joe Browne, NFL executive vice president of communications. "They were totally inconsistent with assurances our office was given about the content of the show. It is unlikely that MTV will produce another Super Bowl halftime."
CBS, a sister of MTV (both are owned by Viacom), also appeared to be taken aback by Sunday's show.
"CBS deeply regrets the incident that occurred during the Super Bowl halftime show," a network spokeswoman said. "We attended rehearsals throughout the week, and there was no indication this would happen. It did not conform to CBS broadcast standards, and we would like to apologize to anyone who was offended."
Timberlake said he did not intend to tear the cup off Jackson's black leather bustier, exposing a nipple piercing shield.
"I am sorry that anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction during the halftime performance of the Super Bowl," Timberlake said in a statement. "It was not intentional and is regrettable."
Although much of the 12-minute halftime show was sexually provocative, it was the baring of Jackson's breast that fueled complaints to CBS, the NFL, local CBS affiliate KHOU-TV and the Houston Chronicle. Channel 11 apparently was flooded with calls in protest, and the Chronicle received several calls and e-mails.
Jackson's portion of the halftime show featured Cabaret-inspired dancers, some dressed only in red underwear below the waist. Choreography included sexual innuendo and crotch grabbing.
Kid Rock's portion of the show included references to hookers, methadone clinics and beer consumption.
"The sad thing is that many people will think that Houston had something to do with putting together the halftime show," wrote another e-mailer.
"If MTV wants to sponsor the show, at least clean it up," said another e-mail.
"I just wish we could see a show that wows because of talent rather than going for the ez (easy) sleazy," wrote another.
Not all of the e-mail was unfavorable.
"I loved the halftime show," wrote a reader from Pasadena. "I think it could have been a bit more flashy."
And at least one reader wasn't offended by the performance but by its datedness.
"The half-time show was just lame ... very dated, very 1990s. A has-been dance diva ... a band boy who's really trying to remain relevant. Lame, lame, lame."
Brenda Prestegard, of Seabrook, had some neighbors and children over to watch the game.
"We were pretty shocked at the halftime show, especially the inappropriate conclusion of Janet and Justin's performance," she said. "The nudity was offensive. This was a family show, and anything of that nature should not have taken place."