Janet Jackson had one of the most infamous moments in the history of live television, even more so than Sinead O’ Connor’s cray-cray moment on SNL when she ripped up the Pope’spicture. The subsequent fallout of what became known as “Nipplegate” led to a seven year court battle, which ended 21st June, with a Supreme Court Ruling.
The Supreme Court’s ruling stated that the Federal Communications Commission had not applied its’ proper standards and didn’t do enough to warn broadcasters before fining them millions of dollars. It overruled the $550 000 fine imposed on CBS after the Nipplegate scandal. Four different incidents, including the Nipplegate scandal, were covered by the court ruling. In each of these incidents, federal regulators fined broadcast networks for “for violations of decency standards imposed between 6am and 10pm”. These fines were overturned.
The FCC was also ordered by the court, to review its’ policy. Under the rules, broadcasters face heavy fines for even one fleeting moment of nudity and/or profanity. Cable and satellite stations are not kept under the same standard as these rules do not apply to them leading many broadcasters to complain about the competitive disadvantage.
The other instances include Cher and Nicole Richie who both swore on television in 2002. Another incident involved NYPD Blue actress Charlotte Ross’ flashing of a seven second nude bum. ABC was fined $1.2 million dollars for this.
U2 singer Bono also used the F-word in a Golden Globes broadcast.
We thought Nipplegate was over and done with, but now we can officially say, the most infamous moment in the history of television can finally be laid to rest. Here’s to another decade of cray-cray television moments!
