Madonna Blasts M.I.A. for Super Bowl Middle Finger: It Was Immature!
Madonna addressed the M.I.A Super Bowl on Friday while speaking with Ryan Seacrest during his "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" radio program.
As previously reported, the singer received wide spread criticism for her halftime Super Bowl show after M.I.A, whose real name is Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, flipped her rude finger at live cameras.
"I was really surprised. I didn't know anything about it. I wasn't happy about it. It was just out of place." Madonna told Seacrest.
"I understand it's punk rock and everything, but to me there was such a feeling of love and good energy, and positivity, it seemed negative. It's such a teenager ... irrelevant thing to do ... there was such a feeling of love and unity there. What was the point?" she added.
Although M.I.A, a British rapper, apologized, insisting that the rude gesture was a result of her being "caught in the moment," Madonna still appeared to be unimpressed, as was the NBC network (who broadcast the Super Bowl) and the National Football League.
The Parents Television Council were among a long list of critics who took offense to the incident, forcing NBC and the NFL to issue apologies.
"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," NBC said in a statement.
"The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing, and we apologize to our fans," said NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy.
Although some critics blamed 53-year-old Madonna for M.I.A's bird flipping incident, an overwhelming number of fans praised the singer for her "flawless" vocal performance and dance routine.
Comedian and host, Drew Carey, called the performance the best he has seen at the Super Bowl.
"Best half-time show ever. Wow. #Madonna #Super Bowl," comedian and host Drew Carey tweeted.
"Wow Madonna's production on the Super Bowl!!! Mind blowing!" singer Sheryl Crow tweeted.
