Viewers can't get enough boob
2004-02-04 11:01
Los Angeles - Fury over the prime-time over-exposure of Michael Jackson's sister has gripped the United States.
All US television stations continued to run images of the incident - dubbed the "Nipple-gate" scandal. Digital video recording pioneer TiVo said the moment had already become the most watched in its history.
The close of Timberlake and Jackson's half time duet drew the biggest spike in audience reaction TiVo has ever measured.
The company said viewership spiked up to 180% as home television audiences repeatedly paused and replayed the incident, which prompted an investigation by the US media watchdog, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The FCC said on Monday it was launching an inquiry into whether the display of flesh was indecent, as a host of official organisations slammed the singers' conduct.
Jackson has apologised for her conduct, saying the stunt had been added at the last minute without the knowledge of producers, MTV, or CBS television which broadcast the show live, but that it had gone too far.
"The decision to have a costume reveal at the end of my half-time show performance was made after final rehearsals," Jackson said in a statement. "MTV was completely unaware of it.
"It was not my intention that it go as far as it did. I apologise to anyone offended, including the audience, MTV, CBS, and the NFL."
Jackson's spokesperson said the incident was caused by a "wardrobe malfunction" and that the red lace bra was supposed to have remained intact when Timberlake ripped off the top of her leather outfit.