What was intended as entertainment proved to be a disaster as delegates at the Australia and New Zealand Climate Forum in Canberra walked out in disgust when a striptease, complete with corsets and balloons, emerged from the backstage to provide a lighthearted break from the long hours of discussion regarding rising temperatures.

The show was cut short and organizers had to issue an apology as some scientists were offended by the act.

Rebecca Gale, who led the team of dancers from Miss Kitka's House of Burlesque defended the show and said it was in reasonably good taste. She emerged from the function room during dinner wearing a heavy corset, black fishnet stockings and at least a dozen balloons, which she invited delegates to pop as she danced to Peggy Lee's sultry 1958 hit "Fever."

She told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "The most that any of the girls get down to is vintage lingerie, which is corsetry and stockings. It's not like we were doing full nudity and simulating sexual acts or anything like that. There was not even a midriff on display."

But some delegates did not like the night show and asked the group to stop after about 10 minutes of the 45-minute performance.

Organizer of the event, the Australian National University, issued a statement of apology the next day. "The intent was lighthearted entertainment," the statement said. "In retrospect the choice of entertainment was inappropriate for the occasion. We understand if the sponsors wish to withdraw."

But the show has already caused enough damage as Environment Minister Ian Campbell canceled his department's $2,290 sponsorship, and the Agriculture Department followed suit, withdrawing $3,800.

The Minister said, "I am appalled at what happened," he said.