Flags Keep Dropping on Super Bowl Stunt (Hollyweirdos bellyache about "censorship")

WASHINGTON POST ^ | By Thursday, February 5, 2004; Page C01 | Lisa de Moraes

[Liz]

Like something in a B-horror flick, Janet Jackson's radioactive right breast has morphed into the monster that's eating Hollywood.

In the past 24 hours:

• Jackson's name was stricken from the official list of presenters for Sunday's Grammy Awards telecast on CBS. That's the same network that beamed us the Super Bowl game during which Jackson's breast made its broadcast TV debut in a stunt that duet partner Justin Timberlake called a "wardrobe malfunction." According to one source close to the production, CBS and the Recording Academy are waiting for her to graciously bow out; if she does not soon, they will uninvite her.

• ABC announced it will initiate a five-second delay on its live telecast of the Academy Awards so it can censor any "wardrobe malfunctions" or Bono-esque "[expletive] brilliant" moments.

• The NFL canceled this weekend's Pro Bowl halftime show starring Timberlake's fellow 'N Sync-er JC Chasez because it was afraid of his choice of songs -- "Blowing Me Up (With Her Love)" -- and the accompanying choreography. Chasez has been replaced with "Hawaiian-themed entertainment."

• NBC cut from tonight's "ER" episode a shot of an exposed breast of an 80-year-old woman receiving emergency care, even though the network says it thinks the shot is appropriate.

Before Jackson's Super Bowl appearance, she had been lined up to introduce a Grammy tribute to Luther Vandross, who is recovering from a stroke and who the Grammy producers hoped would be well enough to attend the ceremony.

Vandross is no longer expected to appear. Jackson isn't either, according to the source close to the production. Her name is missing from a news release issued earlier in the day by Grammy organizers that lists the show's celebrity hosts, presenters and performers.

Though she apologized for her Super Bowl performance via videotape -- aired by various syndicated celebrity-driven TV shows last night -- as of late yesterday she had not withdrawn as a Grammy presenter. CBS declined to comment. A Recording Academy rep also declined to comment.

Timberlake is still on the official Grammy list of hosts, presenters and performers.

Also yesterday, ABC notified the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that it will, for the first time, use a five-second delay on its Oscar broadcast in order to be able to bleep out inappropriate language.

--SNIP--

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14340-2004Feb4.html

[IYAS9YAS]

You have given it too much credit for the stupid act it was.

Stupid, yes. Too much credit? No. I didn't watch it, but from what I've picked up here, it sounds as though it were the culmanation of the entire classless half-time act. I should have qualified my statement. Yes, it was about the breast, as the final insulting topper to the whole crass show. There, that better? As I said before. Not the event itself, but the context. Had it been in a different place at a different time, the whole thing would have been a non-issue.

[StonyBurk]

Good reply-- Most women I know who would breast feed in
a public place don't do it for entertainment.Heard a talk
jock put it thus -- This proves that the Jacksons ' have
a lot of money, and a lot of friends in Hollywood-but
it doesn't change the fact they are still trash.Jackson and
Timberlake intended to do what they did,and in the MTV crowd
such behavior is encouraged -I feel empathy for those parents who were misguided enough to take their children to
the Superbowl who could NOT change the channel.

[Howlin]

I saw the guy from ER on cable today, talking to Katie about the network pulling the breast scene from their show tonight.

He seemed insensed that NBC would take away from the "realism" of their show.

I guess he never watches The Discovery Channel; even on their 911 shows, they NEVER show genitalia, period.

[maica]

I am not sure why you pinged me, but after reading this whole thread, I will just repost what I wrote earlier on another thread --


Why oh why does anyone care at all about this?
*****

Because it was the action that finally got through to the somnolent majority, the concept of degradation in 'pop' culture. It was a conversation opener, and now possibly, just like the reaction to the Reagan Movie scheduled for broadcast on ABC, the real majority in America will demand an improvement in standards for what is being sold to our children.
-

[Dianna]

He seemed insensed that NBC would take away from the "realism" of their show.

Besides which, if I am watching a medical show, I know what to expect. I wouldn't have any problem with my 11 YO son sitting down to watch a breast reduction (not that he really would! LOL)

The Nielson people called yesterday to ask us to become a Nielson family. Once they confirm my satellite is one they can work with, we're in. What timing!

[Howlin]

Oh, what timing is right!

Vent for all of us!

[retrokitten]

Was it just me, or did reflecting later on Josh Groban's pre-game performance (You Raise Me Up' elevate it to 'divinely inspired' by contrast with the half-time show, or did it stand alone on its own merit?

I haven't heard much from him, but every time I hear him sing he brings tears to my eyes. He has such a wonderful voice. He is a genuine talent. No bumping and grinding to make people notice him.

[Liz]

It's good to remember that these obsessed entertainment lowlifes think only about what's good for their carrers and how they can hype the ratings.......and not at all about what's best for America and it's children.

[Oztrich Boy]

my right my not to be offended

You have no such right, it would conflict with your right to be offended.

[Liz]

Oh please...."hate" the sight of breasts? I see 'em everyday (snicker).

It's just that nobody likes to be used, to be manipulateed by depraved career-obsessed entertainers with CD's to sell, who expose themselves on primetime to hype their sorry careers......then lie about it.

[gcruse]

It's just that nobody likes to be used, to be manipulateed by depraved career-obsessed entertainer

LOL

Hawkeye: Radar, how could you do that? How could you tell them? That was supposed to be a secret!
Radar: I couldn't help it. They dragged it out of me!
Hawkeye: Dragged it out of you? How?
Radar: By listening!

[Liz]

I didn't watch it, so I wouldn't know about all of that.

I heard and read the aftermath from media coverage.

[Liz]

I didn't watch the Superbowl, so in no way did I support or abet the incident.

I heard and read the aftermath from media coverage and news clips.

[Stallone]

I feel that you and I have stopped a moment to share the glory of a magnificent sunrise.

Josh Groban is exceptional. How nice if he would stay true and good.

[Fenris6]

"A suspect is in custody and the girl has not been located."

"Meanwhile we were discussing the after effects of Janet Jackson/MTV-Viacom's salvo in the culture war."

The culture war affects unstables like whoever kidnapped the girl. The perp probably lived out his fantasies with a little help from soft-porn star Btritney ("I'm a slave for you") and some hardcore S&M magazines.

If you think the two events can't be unrelated, go chat it up with some detectives and see what they tell you.

[LenS]

The problem is that Justin is a nominee. Disinviting him is a bit harder than Janet who was only a presenter.

[Fenris6]

"I saw the guy from ER on cable today, talking to Katie about the network pulling the breast scene from their show tonight. He seemed insensed that NBC would take away from the "realism" of their show. I guess he never watches The Discovery Channel; even on their 911 shows, they NEVER show genitalia, period."

Exactly. I worked nights as Security in an ER. Girl was dropped off with a drug overdose. The nurses had to cut her jeans off, but covered her. While she was convulsing, the sheet slipped off her hips revealing her privates. No big deal to the staff - they see that everyday - but I pulled the sheets back over her out of a sense of decency.

Why on earth would that need to be in a script? Adds NOTHING to the plot line.

Can we please just bomb Hollywood and get it over with?

[NYCVirago]

If Janet gets the axe, Justin should as well. He knew what he was doing. I am not a feminist, but this is gender discrimiation at it's most finely tuned. And it's BS!

Absolutely. Bottom line is -- Janet hasn't had a hit in eons; Justin's nominated for five Grammys. End of story.

[Howlin]

They really think we're stupid.

Plus, we need our own talk show to call these idiots out!

[retrokitten]

I feel that you and I have stopped a moment to share the glory of a magnificent sunrise.

sunset...I'm more of a night person. LOL