Months
of planning, many miles' worth of cash, and a boatload of
superstars were brought to bear for Super Bowl
XXXVIII's entertainment, but in the
end, an unexpected bared breast stole the show in Houston.
Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson were performing a
flirtatious duet to end the halftime show at Reliant Stadium,
and at the song's finish, Timberlake reached across Jackson's
leather gladiator outfit and pulled off the covering to her
right breast.
Jackson - who appeared to be stunned - quickly covered
herself as the network cut away from
the shot, making no mention of the incident on the air.
Timberlake said later that he did not intend to expose Jackson's
breast.
"I am sorry that anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction
during the halftime performance of the Super Bowl," Timberlake
said in a
statement. "It was not intentional and is regrettable."
"CBS deeply regrets the incident," said CBS spokeswoman Leslie
Anne Wade, commenting after the network received several calls
about the show.
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 P.
Diddy, 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," said Browne.
MTV issued a statement, saying the incident was "unrehearsed,
unplanned, completely unintentional."
Janet Jackson wasn't the only one on hand wearing less than the
usual amount of clothing.
Shortly after Timberlake and Jackson finished their performance,
a streaker charged into the middle
of the football field, delaying the start of the second half of
the game. He was leveled by New England linebacker Matt Chatham,
then hogtied and arrested by Houston police.
The halftime entertainment began with singer Jessica Simpson
screaming, "Houston, choose to party!" Rappers P-Diddy
and Nelly performed, as did Kid Rock.