Janet Apologizes, Says Super Bowl Stunt Went Too Far

MTV.com ^ | 02.02.2004 | Robert Mancini

[yhwhsman]

Janet Apologizes, Says Super Bowl Stunt Went Too Far

One day after Janet Jackson's shocking Super Bowl halftime performance, the singer took responsibility for the breast-baring incident and said she never intended the stunt to go as far as it did.

"The decision to have a costume reveal at the end of my halftime show performance was made after final rehearsals," Jackson said in a statement released Monday (February 2). "MTV was completely unaware of it. 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."

Jackson's performance shocked onlookers when Justin Timberlake — who was performing with her — pulled off a piece of Jackson's costume, revealing her right breast.

MTV, which produced the halftime show for CBS, issued an apology shortly after the show, calling the incident "unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and ... inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance" (see "Janet, Justin, MTV Apologize For Super Bowl Flash").

Timberlake also apologized on Sunday, calling the incident "not intentional and regrettable."

On Sunday, Jackson's reps told MTV News that the singer apologized for the move, but the singer issued no public statement on the incident until Monday.

For more on the weekend festivities, check out MTV Super Bowl Weekend.

—Robert Mancini

[ARA]

she wasn't wearing a pastie

[mlbford2]

***I used to think how silly all those people were who said Elvis shaking his hips on Ed Sullivan would eventually lead us here. I guess they were right after all.***

Well, if one were to project the rate of degeneration of moral values in our society at this current rate , the 2020 SuperBowl should have live sex acts with goats after Aerosmith finishes their number.

[Flyer]

OK, they are sorry.

Yes, they are sorry.

[SupplySider]

I'm grow weary of elites who try to shock me and call it art. It's childish and does nothing to progress the art.

Boy is that the truth. I guess it is easier and pays better than training for years to create real art. How it impresses millions of people is beyond me.

[ican'tbelieveit]

The difference that people are missing is that with the bloody shows, you get a warning. A little message pops us before the show starts saying it may be unsuitable for some viewers. Or you have an appropriate rating.

But there was not warning for this stunt. And since Ms. Jackson is thought of as a pop idol and Justin Timberlake makes all the teenie bopper girls hearts go nuts, there may have been quite a few kiddos tuned in to something that the parents weren't prepared for them to see. Not saying the kiddos haven't seen it all, but we are talking about warnings; and this didn't give us a warning.

I am grateful my teenage son was in the other room at the time.

[hole_n_one]

Idiot Olberman on MSNBC is going to set the story straight on Jackson's "pasty" after the commercial break.

[NYCVirago]

The Superbowl has become one long commerical event with a football game that breaks out in between spots.

Good point. If we have to have "entertainment", here's a simple, non-controversial rule which will prevent most of today's so-called "talents from participating -- all performers must perform live; no lip-synching allowed!

[Annie03]

So am I.

[altair]

Fifty years from now will you be airing acts of bestiality during primetime?

Ssh. You're giving away their secrets.

To all you people who are offended, why don't you turn off the TV and leave it off? That will send them a message, big time. I've done my part. I haven't watched American TV in five years.

[null and void]

Thanks. It just sorta came to me...

[SerpentDove]

It seems to me that this statement indicates that the doodoo is about to meet the oscillator, and everybody knows it.

They already tried trotting out the lie that it was unintentional...so that has to be qualified.

I hope this talentless dancing turd goes into oblivion.

[hattend]

...the 2020 SuperBowl should have live sex acts with goats after Aerosmith finishes their number.

Well, maybe a live group porn show...goats will be a few years later, unless the animal rights amendment is passed.

[Clint Williams]

I do not plan to watch the untalents of "The Grammys" I wonder how many other Freepers will not watch it.

Never watched them. Really, such public mastu... self-gratification is embarrassing.

[Paul Atreides]

At least, little sister Janet is knocking brother Michael off of the front pages, for a while. That is one weird family.

[DB]

Well I guess there is a bright side.

Hopefully some parents will think twice before letting their kids watch MTV now.

[PMCarey]

If CBS were truly sorry, they'd cancel Janet and Justin's appearance on the Grammys. But they're not, so they won't.

Not only that, but they'll be joking about it all throughout the awards. Yuk yuk yuk.

[missyme]

I have switched it on and off the last 10 years this time no switching, and not only Janet and Justin were a bunch of sorry PIGS. Puff Fuddy Dudddy or whatever trying to ruin an 80's song called "MICKEY" what is he famous for anyways? and KID ROCK he needs to wash his stragly looking hair and not subject to his smut mouth.

[cubreporter]

Oh he made a big splash didn't he? He said he was DISAPPOINTED! Good Lord. He should have been angry and he should have aplogozed to the audience and he should have denounced the entire stunt right then and there. I don't care what their excuse for the outfit was (jacksin and timberhead that is)the super bowl wasno place for that kind of trashy behavior. If they want to act like that in private I say go for it. But...ever notice how they can't just do that in private? They want everyone to see? They couldn't have sold tickets to just that stunt. No, they betrayed everyone by thier sick exhibitionist behavior. Wow, they are pitiful. I hope the public contineues to be outraged over this in your face act. They were a disgrace, are a disgrace and will forever be a disgrace. Talent? My foot. Their only talent is Lack of talent. Both of them are to be pitied for their lack of class but mostly they are to be pitied for their lack of respect for each other. I think we need to go back to prayer at the public places once again. If they can pull clothing off people we can pray! What say ye?

[NYCVirago]

The difference that people are missing is that with the bloody shows, you get a warning. A little message pops us before the show starts saying it may be unsuitable for some viewers. Or you have an appropriate rating.

Exactly. I'm not going to complain about say, the Sopranos, because it's very clear that it is an adult show, on pay cable. Heck, the fact that they actually have important members of the casts who are over 40 communicates right there that it's not a kid's show! But you expect the Super Bowl to have some standards.

[databoss]

YAWWWWNNNNN!!!!