A furious Justin Timberlake has blasted those responsible for his controversial Super Bowl half-time show antics with Janet Jackson, calling the breast-baring shocker "completely, completely, completely regrettable."

The pop star claims the incident, which was beamed live to the world on Sunday (01FEB03), has marred a wonderful 12 months for him, and he regrets agreeing to jet back from Spain to perform with Jackson.

In a lengthy televised statement, aired in America last night (04FEB04), Timberlake says, "I didn't have time to rehearse it, I got to the field went on stage, was in the moment and what happened.

"I was completely shocked and appalled, and all I could say was, 'Oh my God, oh my God.'

"I looked at her, they brought a towel up onto the stage. I immediately covered her up. I was completely embarrassed and just walked off the stage as quick as I could.

"2003 was remarkable for me and I felt like I made a lot of steps with my music and I did a lot of good things. I don't want to be involved in a stunt. That's not my style. I don't have any reason to do this.

"I'm frustrated at the whole situation and that my whole character is being questioned. I don't feel like I need publicity like this.

"I do understand how unfortunate this is. I do understand that there were a lot of people who were completely offended by what happened, including my own family."

Despite the CRY ME A RIVER hunk's retrospective contrition, he said immediately after the performance, "That was fun. It was quick, slick, to the point. We love giving y'all something to talk about."

05/02/2004 02:56