Apology after rapper M.I.A swears at Superbowl (From Surrey Comet)
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Apology after Mitcham rapper M.I.A swears at Superbowl
3:31pm Monday 6th February 2012 in Music By Craig Burnett
Mitcham rapper MIA on stage at the Superbowl with Madonna
A Mitcham rapper is in hot water after giving a one-fingered salute to more than 100 million sports fans.
M.I.A appeared alongside Madonna and Nicki Minaj during the half time show at the Superbowl, the climax of the US American football season, in Indianapolis on Sunday evening.
But the rapper - who grew up on the Phipps Bridge estate and went to Ricards Lodge secondary school - sparked complaints when she flicked her middle finger at the camera during the mid-game performance, which was seen by 110 million viewers.
Brian McCarthy, a spokesman for event organiser the national football league, said: "The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing and we apologize to our fans."
The 36-year-old Tamil rapper mixes hip-hop with world music and is known for her political lyrics.
Her single Paper Planes won her fame when it was used on the soundtrack to blockbuster film Slumdog Millionaire.
Madonna headlined the halftime show, but was joined by M.I.A and fellow rapper Nicki Minaj for the song 'Give Me All Your Luvin'.
The Superbowl was won by the New York Giants, who beat the New England Patriots 21-17.
Click here to see the gesture. WARNING: Contains an offensive gesture
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