FCC to probe Super Bowl show

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell yesterday ordered an investigation of the Super Bowl halftime show, in which Justin Timberlake tore off part of fellow singer Janet Jackson’s costume, exposing her breast.

“I am outraged at what I saw during the halftime show,” Mr. Powell said. “Like millions of Americans, my family and I gathered around the television for a celebration. Instead, that celebration was tainted by a classless, crass and deplorable stunt.”

Outrage at the incident grew nationwide, with the NFL, the White House, pro-family groups and talk radio denouncing the display as “offensive,” “tasteless” and “profane.”

Officials at MTV, which produced Sunday night’s halftime show, and CBS, which broadcast it, said they did not know that the performance would include such a display.

Miss Jackson and Mr. Timberlake simulated intercourse during a performance of “Rock Your Body,” which included the lyrics, “I’m gonna have you naked by the end of this song.” Mr. Timberlake ripped off a piece of Miss Jackson’s costume, exposing her right breast.

Mr. Timberlake said it was an accident, which he blamed on a “wardrobe malfunction.”

In a statement released last night, Miss Jackson said it was a last-minute stunt that went awry.

“The decision to have a costume reveal at the end of my halftime-show performance was made after final rehearsals. MTV was completely unaware of it,” she said. “It was not my intention that it go as far as it did. I apologize to anyone offended — including the audience, MTV, CBS and the NFL.”

National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue also criticized the display yesterday, although he declined to answer questions or discuss what changes are being considered.

The show was “offensive and embarrassing to us and our fans,” Mr. Tagliabue said yesterday.

“We will change our planning, people and our processes before the next Super Bowl to ensure that the entertainment is more effectively dealt with and is far more appropriate in quality for the Super Bowl game.”

During months of planning and extensive rehearsals attended by CBS executives and members of the NFL’s special-events department, MTV repeatedly said the show would be family-friendly, league sources said.

“There was no indication any such thing would happen,” said CBS spokeswoman Leslie Anne Wade.

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