CBS Apologizes for Jackson's Exposure

AP ^ | Feb. 1 2004

[Leroy S. Mort]

NEW YORK (AP) - CBS apologized on Sunday for an unexpectedly R-rated end to its Super Bowl halftime show, when singer Justin Timberlake tore off part of Janet Jackson's top, exposing her breast.

``CBS deeply regrets the incident,'' spokeswoman Leslie Anne Wade said after the network received several calls about the show.

The two singers were performing a flirtatious duet to end the halftime show, and at the song's finish, Timberlake reached across Jackson's leather gladiator outfit and pulled off the covering to her right breast.

The network quickly cut away from the shot, and did not mention the incident on the air.

It was unclear whether Timberlake intended to expose Jackson's breast.

Wade said CBS officials attended rehearsals of the halftime show all week, ``and there was no indication any such thing would happen. The moment did not conform to CBS' broadcast standards and we would like to apologize to anyone who was offended.''

The Super Bowl halftime show, which also featured Puff Daddy, Nelly and Kid Rock, was produced by MTV, CBS' corporate cousin in Viacom.

``We were extremely disappointed by elements of the MTV-produced halftime show,'' Joe Browne, NFL executive vice president, said. ``They were totally inconsistent with assurances our office was given about the content of the show.

``It's unlikely that MTV will produce another Super Bowl halftime.''

[solitas]

Dumb animals - all of 'em.

[InvisibleChurch]

are all the top dogs at c...bs named "leslie"? (leslie moonves)

[oceanview]

CBS is likely as contrite about this as Clinton was about Monica.

[Howlin]

Too bad; the damage is done.

[InvisibleChurch]

they were just making up to moveon.org and bill xxxlinton for not showing their dreckcommercial of W

[breakem]

Anyone know if there will be any threads about Janet Jackson and the half time show?

[steve86]

Yeah, apologize and then put on something even worse next time. I'm sure Madonna/Britney/Janet and a German Shepherd are just around the corner...

[Hildy]

At least the NFL came out and send that MTV will NEVER produce another Superbowl halftime. Let's hold them to that.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

Timberlake just wanted to prove that it was really Janet Jackson, and not Michael. Although, with all the plastic surgeons he has on retainer, who knows?

[rface]

Janet Jackson and her slutty publicity stunt.

[Unknown Freeper]

There's the Super Bowl thread and the boob thread in breaking news. And there's the NFL statement thread and now this CBS statement thread. She's got four threads running now and it just happened at half time.

[Leroy S. Mort]

Looked like Michael with a star on his nose.

[Muleteam1]

NOTE TO CBS: Your apology is not believable in light of your past performance. You have not been in my home since 1984.

Muleteam1

[prairiebreeze]

LOL. Sad, but funny. And probably true.

[Pubbie]

LIARS! - The CBS hierarchy KNEW what was going to happen:

http://www.drudgereport.com/mattjj.htm


OUTRAGE AT CBS AFTER JANET BARES BREAST DURING DINNER HOUR; SUPER BOWL SHOW PUSHES LIMITS

**Exclusive**

Top CBS executives approved a musical skit where Janet Jackson would expose her breast during the MTV-produced Super Bowl half-time concert, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

"The decision to go forward went to the very top of the network," a well-placed source explained from New York.

The groundbreaking scene came during the most-watched television broadcast of the year -- and during the dinner hour for the nation's west coast viewers.

In a press release before Sunday's game, CBS's sister outlet. [VIACOM's] MTV promised "Janet's Shocking Moments."

"I'll get you naked by the end of this song," sang performer Justin Timberlake, moments before he ripped off Jackson's top, exposing a bare breast -- the nipple covered by a tassel.

CBS's main New York switchboard was immediately bombarded with complaints about the stunt, network sources said late Sunday.

Developing...

[praise]

Ya...It was an accident...and Many girls wear pasties and break away tops. Ya...Oh...and I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last nite...OH YEAH

[ChadGore]

They are both owned by VIACOM.

It's like a rapist pointing with his right hand toward his left and scolding it for doing a bad thing.

[breakem]

FYI. I never post a sarcasm tag.

[NYCVirago]

Talk about a non-apology apology! What a crock.