Eighty-nine million people tuned into the Super Bowl on February first. Some watched for the commercials, some for the halftime show, and some just watched for the football, but every one who was watching didn't get the halftime show they expected. The exposure of Janet Jackson's breast stunned millions of people and upset quite a few viewers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be investigating the stunt pulled by Jackson and Timberlake. " I am outraged at what I saw during the halftime show of the Super Bowl," FCC chief Michael Powell said in a statement given on Monday (2/2). The investigation will be thorough and quick to see if indecency regulations had been broken.
Millions of people, including families, were watching the biggest game in the NFL season. Timberlake, who was performing a duet with Jackson, said that it was a costume malfunction. The singer also said he was "shocked", "appalled and embarrassed" about what happened. Jackson released a taped statement apologizing for the stunt saying that it was not her intention to offend anyone and the she was very sorry. Jackson and her choreographer changed sections of her performance early Sunday without the knowledge of CBS, the NFL, or the halftime producers of MTV.
The stunt shocked everyone, but the consequences are no surprise. Jackson, who was supposed present an award at the Grammys will no longer be appearing. "I can confirm she is not attending. I won't give any more details," publicist Steven Huvane told newsmen. CBS, who is broadcasting the show, was worried about another live event taking place on a widely watched show. Justin Timberlake is also being ounished for the performance. The singer's performance at the Grammys may be banned by request from CBS. Even people not in the performance are being treated with caution by the television networks. Timberlake's former band member JC Chasez is being booted from the Pro Bowl half time show and was asked to sing the national anthem instead.
