Jackson's right breast was famously exposed while she performed with Justin Timberlake, who was singing his hit single 'Rock Your Body'. The incident came during the half-time entertainment, which was produced by MTV.
Both stars involved in the incident initially claimed that it was not planned despite evidence to the contrary, such as the fact that Jackson was sporting a silver metal nipple shield under her costume and that the line Timberlake was singing at the moment of the incident was "bet I have you naked by the end of this song".
Later though, Jackson admitted that the "reveal" had been planned after final rehearsals. In a statement she said: "MTV was completely unaware of it. It was not my intention that it go as far as it did. I apologise to anyone offended -- including the audience, MTV, CBS and the NFL."
Apparently the raunchy nature of the lyrics and the bump'n'grind dance routine would have been acceptable, but the brief glimpse of a breast has been described by Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, as "a classless, crass and deplorable stunt". The FCC is to investigate the incident but reports say that at present the regulator is only able to levy a maximum fine of $27,500.
Powell said: "I am outraged at what I saw during the half-time show of the Super Bowl. Like millions of Americans, my family and I gathered around the television for a celebration. Instead, that celebration was tainted... Our nation's children, parents and citizens deserve better."
The NFL has already said that MTV was unlikely to be asked to produce another half-time show for Super Bowl.
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