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More On M.I.A. Middle Fingergate: NBC Is Sorry, Parents Group Demands Punishment
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 6, 2012
Modified Feb 6, 2012
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 6, 2012
Modified Feb 6, 2012
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Last night, as you know by now, M.I.A. flipped off America during the Super Bowl halftime show. But seriously, everyone, someone made her wear a cheerleading outfit—if M.I.A. didn't flip off someone, life just wouldn't make sense anymore. However, since nothing else controversial really happened—and the wardrobe malfunction thing was eight years ago—we, as a people, needed something to talk about at the water cooler. And M.I.A. delivered, albeit subtly.
In the aftermath of the second-long flash of the middle finger, NBC has apologized to viewers "for the inappropriate gesture that aired during halftime. It was a spontaneous gesture that our delay system caught late.” And the NFL is also talking, pointing the finger at the network, saying: “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.”
Those apologies aren't good enough for the TV watchdog group the Parents Television Council, however. TMZ reports that the organization feels that NBC enabled M.I.A. to flip off the camera, and in doing so FAILED AMERICA. In a statement, they said, "It is unfortunate that a spectacular sporting event was overshadowed once again by broadcasting the selfish acts of a desperate performer. Either the NFL and NBC will take immediate steps to hold those accountable for this offensive material in front of a hundred million Americans, or they will feebly sit back and do nothing."
According to Deadline, M.I.A. also dropped a “I don’t give a shit” during the performance with Madonna and Nicki Minaj, but it was inaudible. The performer has yet to release her own statement, but we're guessing if she does, it'll be similar to the above photo.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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