American Regulator Investigates

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The American broadcasting regulator is to carry out an investigation into the incident in which Janet Jackson's breast was exposed during the Super Bowl, traditionally America's most-watched television programme.

CBS apologised for the slip-up when Justin Timberlake and Jackson were performing a duet during half time.

Timberlake said in a statement: "It was not intentional and is regrettable."

But today, Jackson admitted the stunt was planned. She 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."

CBS quickly cut away from the scene but was still flooded with calls from angry viewers about the half-time entertainment, produced by MTV.

Federal Communications Commission chief Michael Powell said in a statement, "Like millions of Americans, my family and I gathered around the television for a celebration. Instead, that celebration was tainted by a classless, crass and deplorable stunt."

Despite the apparent premeditation the display coincided exactly with Timberlake singing, "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song" all involved denied that the exposure was planned.

Chris Ender, entertainment spokesman for CBS, said: "This was done completely without our knowledge. It wasn't rehearsed. It wasn't discussed. It wasn't even hinted at. ... This is something we would have never approved. We are angry and embarrassed."

The FCC has promised to carry out a full investigation.

Free-to-air television channels in the US cannot air obscene material at any time and cannot air indecent material between 06:00 and 22:00. The FCC defines obscene as describing sexual conduct "in a patently offensive way" and lacking "serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value." Indecent material is not as offensive but still contains references to sex or excretions