Janet Jackson has heaped praise on the designer of her infamous nipple-baring Super Bowl costume, branding him a great "love" in her life.

 The singer was forced to issue an apology for the 2004 "wardrobe malfunction", which happened when Justin Timberlake tore off part of her corset during a half-time duet, exposing her breast to millions of unsuspecting viewers of the American football event.

 British designer Alexander McQueen confirmed he created the tight black outfit Jackson wore on the night earlier this week, prompting the pop star to come to his defence, insisting she does not hold him responsible for the incident.

 She tells Fox News, "I thought maybe only half of the outfit was (hisdesign), but I guess he did all of it."

 She adds, "I don't blame him; he didn't rip it. Alexander is so great at what he does - he's a genius. I've loved him for a long time, ever since I saw one of his very first shows 10 years ago in London, which is where we first met."