Madonna put on a superb Super Bowl halftime show Sunday in Indianapolis, but all the postgame talk has been about M.I.A. and her rude middle finger. The NFL and its television partners (in this case NBC) frown upon obscene gestures, almost as much as they dislike bare breasts, on a show that attracts 111 million viewers. NBC had a five-second video delay on the show but managed to blur the British rapper’s raised finger only after it appeared on air.

Why flip the bird? Did M.I.A., who is known for being controversial and was looking straight into the camera, do it on purpose? Or was she caught up in the excitement on the moment? One thing is sure… everyone knows who M.I.A. is now. BTW, she has a new album coming out.

The New Zealand Herald reports that Madonna is furious that the incident overshadowed her Super show. The paper also reported that M.I.A., who has not commented, got carried away and acted on “adrenaline,” and claimed she was sorry. There are also reports that M.I.A. recently split from her fiance and the finger was meant for him.

Whatever the reason, the gesture will cost M.I.A. She signed a contract which makes her liable to pay any penalties imposed by TV regulators. Still, it will be worth it for the notoriety.

The NFL, which approves the Super Bowl talent, will certainly find someone safe for next year’s game. How about Tony Bennett?