FCC's Powell 'Outraged' by 'Deplorable' Halftime Stunt

Newsmax ^ | 2/1/04

[truthandlife]

The Federal Communications Commission will investigate CBS's sleazy halftime show, Chairman Michael Powell said today.

"I am outraged at what I saw during the halftime 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 by a classless, crass and deplorable stunt. Our nation's children, parents and citizens deserve better," Powell stated.

"I have instructed the commission to open an immediate investigation into last night's broadcast," he said.

A spokesman had earlier merely said the agency was launching a routine investigation because it had received complaints.

"CBS deeply regrets the incident," a mouthpiece claimed.

'Wardrobe Malfunction'

Pop star Justin Timberlake insisted he had not intended to expose Janet Jackson's breast.

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

MTV, which like CBS is a subsidiary of Viacom, the same corporate behemoth that aired "The Reagans" on Showtime, claimed the stunt was "unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and was inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance."

[new cruelty]

ROTFLOL

[tbpiper]

The FCC just fined Clear Channel Network $750k for the vulgar words of Bubba the Love Sponge. It's a start. Mz CondomTestPilot Jackson will probably earn a similar look for MTV, I sincerely hope.

[gcruse]

They should have held Toby and Willie over for half-time, their short pregame show was about 1000% better. Just plain pickin' and singin' with no stunts or fancy stage props.

With Aerosmith, a band that peaked 35 years ago.  Grampa wasn't in charge of half time, I think.

[dfwgator]

Seeing that Houston is ZZ Top's hometown, I'm surprised they weren't included in this year's festivities. I guess since Billy G is a big supporter of Rush Limbaugh, they are considered too conservative now.

[FReepaholic]

>>...I've always hated halftime shows. If I wanted to see a concert I would go to a concert...<<

I wish they'd do away with the fireworks. In a domed stadium the smoke hangs around ruining the view of the game.

[GigaDittos]

I posted a pic showing the pastie on another thread, but the moderator removed it. Just go to Fox Sports and you can find photos from the Half-time show there.

[JFC]

Velcro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was intentional! It was a Britney/Madonna Moment
all done to create buzz that all offices across America are talking about. Taliban is right... we have left wackos who are taking the world down in their lack of respect.
Publicity STUNT!

[gcruse]

See #43.

[Fresh Wind]

Pop star Justin Timberlake insisted he had not intended to expose Janet Jackson's breast.

This is probably a true statement. He really meant to expose both of them. The "costume malfunction" he cited was the failure of the costume to completely disintegrate.

[new cruelty]

I agree, there is no big deal about your wife feeding her infant son in front of her other children. justin and janet's portrayal of breast feeding preparation is not one I would perform in front of my children. I don't think they would be amused.

You don't have sex in front of your children, do you?

[Revolting cat!]

I say bring back the Hooray For Everything Singers!

[uncbuck]

Unfortunatly he can most likely NOT be fired, he owns the controlling stock of Viacom.

All we can hope for is an overdue death of old age.

[dfwgator]

In a domed stadium the smoke hangs around ruining the view of the game.

Well that's another hot button for me, they need to ban the Superbowl from indoor stadiums anyway, further more it should be outdoors in places like Green Bay and New York.

[bigfootbob]

My 12 year old daughter walked into the room when Kid Rock was screaming, looked at the TV and said "White trash" and walked out of the room. Smarter kid than her parents who watched the entire debacle.

Beyounce Knowles set a new standard for the signing of the National Anthem, IMHO. Much better than the very good version Whitney Huston did some years ago.

[GigaDittos]

Fox Sports

[DarthVader]

Hi It is I the dark lord who has sworn death and destruction to all liberals. You are right the HT show STUNK. M-TV will never be at a major sporting event gain.

[dfwgator]

I just hope Beyonce gets away from that gangsta crowd she's been hanging around with lately.

[NYDave]

Chairman Michael, get a life. I didn't watch much of the halftime show, I was more interested in the game, which was quite a good game. I think that Janet Jackson is very cute and appealing, albiet she looks like Michael with breasts (BRRRR). If she flashed a little skin, perhaps it's not so appropriate but why should the FCC get involved. Chairman Michael, should we also burn all of the "bad" books?

[Professional Engineer]

'Wardrobe Malfunction'

And I walk around with a million $ in cash in my pocket.

[cincinnati65]

While "offensive" is in the eye of the beholder, keep in mind that this is the half-time event of choice for the largest worldwide television audience of the year, and CBS/MTV forced their opinion of (im)morality on that audience.

Changing social mores is not the issue. In a society where we bend over backwards to make sure that NO ONE is ever offended, such a controversial event as this one was bound to cause backlash.

To say, "Well, that's just the way of the world." is not the answer.