Sorry Material Mom, but your Super Bowl routine is taking a back seat to M.I.A.’s middle finger malfunction. The rapper’s impromptu one-finger salute during Super Bowl XLVI’s halftime show is dominating next-day headlines and outshining the New York Giants' victory.
Super Bowl broadcaster NBC quickly apologized for the obscene gesture.
"The NFL hired the talent and produced the halftime show. Our system was late to obscure the inappropriate gesture and we apologize to our viewers," an NBC spokesperson said regarding the act.
In a statement, the NFL said "There was a failure in NBC's delay system. The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing, and we apologize to our fans."
Ten of millions of television viewers watched the British-born M.I.A. flip the bird during a performance geared as a promotion vehicle for Madonna and her new single "Give Me All Your Luvin." Oops. #UpstageMadonna
While her spokesperson was unavailable for comment, a "source close to M.I.A. who is not authorized to speak on the record" tells HLN what went through the rapper's mind: "She was amped up and in performance mode. She was nervous and not thinking, and adrenaline took over. It wasn't meant as a gesture or a statement of any kind. It was an artist who had a mishap."
The source added, "She feels horrible for putting Madonna in that position. She messed up."
The source did not know whether there was any type of obscenity clause in her contract with the NFL/NBC -- and also did not indicate whether the rapper has spoken with or had contact with Madonna since the incident.
The controversy quickly drew comparisons to 2004's Nipplegate when Janet Jackson's exposed breast shocked the nation, prompted a Federal Communications Commission investigation and a fine that was later overturned. But after seeing a bare nipple make a surprise guest appearance on national television, is a middle finger really so shocking?
Tell us what you think. Is M.I.A.’s finger flip truly scandalous?
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