FCC Blasts Super Bowl Breast

The Federal Communications Commission today took aim at those involved in yesterday's Super Bowl halftime show, which featured a peek at Janet Jackson's bared breast after Justin Timberlake tore away a piece of her outfit.

FCC Chairman Michael Powell said he was outraged by the event's proceedings. "Like millions of Americans, my family and I gathered around the television for a celebration," he said. "Instead, that celebration was tainted by a classless, crass and deplorable stunt. Our nation's parents and citizens deserve better."

At Powell's urging, the FCC has opened an investigation into the broadcast to see if any regulations were broken. "Our investigation will be thorough and swift," he promised.

Those involved in the halftime program have mostly shied away from responsibility. Timberlake issued a quick apology and called the incident a "wardrobe malfunction," while MTV, the halftime show's producer, called it "unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance." CBS also claimed that the flash of breast was unplanned, but a source for the network told the Drudge Report that it had received executive approval. In the week prior to the Super Bowl, Jackson's choreographer Gil Duldulao told MTV that some "shocking moments" could be expected during the program.

• 
  MUSIC 100 Greatest Debut Albums
• 
  MOVIES 'Star Trek' Is Crazy Good
• 
  TV 10 Shows to Watch This Summer
• 
  POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix

Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

More Song Stories entries »

Twitter