Super Bowl Halftime show generates controversy

The NFL has issued a statement saying that MTV is "unlikely" to produce another Super Bowl halftime show after Janet Jackson's nipple ring made an unexpected appearance during primetime on network TV Sunday night.

In an incident that CBS - which broadcast Super Bowl XXXVIII and the halftime show produced by MTV, also owned by CBS parent Viacom - said it "deeply regrets," Justin Timberlake yanked off a leather patch covering Jackson's right breast - exposing it to an estimated 140m TV viewers. CBS quickly faded to black and cut to another shot before heading to a commercial break.

The apologies came shortly afterwards. From MTV:

"The tearing of Janet Jackson's costume was unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and was inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance. MTV regrets this incident occurred and we apologise to anyone who was offended by it."

From CBS:

"We attended all rehearsals throughout the week and there was no indication that any such thing would happen. The moment did not conform to CBS broadcast standards and we would like to apologise to anyone who was offended."

From Justin Timberlake:

"I am sorry that anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction during the halftime performance of the Super Bowl. It was not intentional and is regrettable."

The NFL reacted swiftly. The League's executive vice president, Joe Browne, said:

"We were extremely disappointed by elements of the MTV-produced Halftime show. They were totally inconsistent with assurances our office was given about the show. It's unlikely that MTV will produce another Super Bowl halftime."

NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said that a policy change would be implemented for future halftime shows:

"We were extremely disappointed by the MTV-produced halftime show. It was totally inconsistent with assurances our office was given about the content of the show.

"The show was offensive, inappropriate and embarrassing to us and our fans. We will change our policy, our people and our processes for managing the halftime entertainment in the future in order to deal far more effectively with the quality of this aspect of the Super Bowl."

On Monday afternoon, it was announced that America's Federal Communications Commission will launch an investigation into the incident. More on that story here on Digital Spy.