Definition: The term "nipplegate" has been use to refer to the controversy surrounding the partial exposure of Janet Jackson's right breast during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in February 2004, which was televised live on CBS.
Following the exposure, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), already extremely conservative under the Bush administration, levied a $550,000 fine against CBS and cracked down on any perceived incidents of indecency, whether intentional or unintentional.
In July 2008, a three-judge panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the fine. The case has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to issue a ruling on the matter in 2009.
Although much has been made of the incident, it is worth noting that the nudity was both extremely brief and (due to Jackson's large, obstructive nipple jewelry) partial.
Following the exposure, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), already extremely conservative under the Bush administration, levied a $550,000 fine against CBS and cracked down on any perceived incidents of indecency, whether intentional or unintentional.
In July 2008, a three-judge panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the fine. The case has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to issue a ruling on the matter in 2009.
Although much has been made of the incident, it is worth noting that the nudity was both extremely brief and (due to Jackson's large, obstructive nipple jewelry) partial.
