U.S. regulator to probe Super Bowl breast flashing

The U.S. broadcast regulator is investigating how singer Janet Jackson's right breast was exposed during a flirtatious performance with Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Federal Communications Commission chairman Michael Powell said Sunday's evening of family entertainment was "tainted by a classless, crass and deplorable stunt."

He said the commission was beginning an immediate investigation into the airing of indecent material during prime-time hours, adding: "Our nation's children, parents and citizens deserve better."

Apologies flew on all sides Monday after Timberlake pulled down part of Jackson's leather costume, briefly showing a breast covered with a metal nipple decoration.

Timberlake called it a "wardrobe malfunction," but it was hard not to believe the flashing incident was intentional given that he had just sung the lyrics "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song."

Jackson's publicist was not returning phone calls. However, her choreographer had earlier promised "some shocking moments" in the performance.

MTV, which produced the show for broadcaster CBS, said it had no warning of the display.

"It was unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and was inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance," MTV said in a statement.

"CBS deeply regrets the incident," spokesperson LeslieAnne Wade said.

The National Football League also condemned the display, and said it was "unlikely" that MTV would be asked to produce another Super Bowl halftime show.

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