MIA literally flips the "bird" during Madonna Super Bowl half-time show

The Super Bowl, watched by over 100 million people, has a famously histrionic half-time show. This year was no different, but despite a bill that contained several dozen ancient Roman soldiers, Madonna dressed like a Wagnerian and Cee-Lo singing his heart out to Like A Prayer, the event was marred by MIA’s split second decision to stick her middle finger up at a camera.

At the end of her verse, the London-bred star flipped the “bird”. 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.”

A representative, speaking to the LA Times, said it was “a case of adrenaline. She wasn’t thinking. It wasn’t any kind of statement. She was caught in the moment and she’s incredibly sorry.” Watch the fateful moment above, and witness the pomp of the full show below.