Tag Archives: nipplegate

The FCC Is Itching To Reopen The Nipplegate Case

Kate Torgovnick/Kate-Book.comSeptember 16, 2009 //

How retro. The FCC has proclaimed that it would like to “further investigate” Nipplegate, i.e., the moment in 2004 when Justin Timberlake pulled at Janet Jackson‘s costume during the Super Bowl halftime show, baring her pierced nipple and traumatizing children for years, even though a commercial for Viagra that made reference to a “four-hour erection” aired during the same program and apparently had no adverse effect. The FCC has brought their complaint all the way up to the Third District Appeals Court, hoping that the case can be reopened. “The evidence in this case strongly suggests that CBS had access to video delay technology at the time of the 2004 Super Bowl,” the FCC said. In other words, they think the nip slip was “willfull.” Really? Does anyone still care about this? And doesn’t our government have better things to be spending its time on? [Gawker] Keep reading »

CBS & Janet Jackson Win Fight For Their Right To Flash

SimchaJuly 22, 2008 //

Justin Timberlake could have Janet Jackson naked by the end of his song. In a surprising landmark judicial decision, the US Circuit Court of Appeals stopped the FCC from fining CBS over half a mil for the infamous 2004 halftime split second strip show…er, wardrobe malfunction. The Court ruled in favor of JT, Janet, and the station for a couple reasons. At the time, the FCC laws weren’t explicit enough to be enforced for the accident, so it became a case of puritanical opinion versus freedom of speech. Also, since it was a live show, there was no way for any CBS employee to prevent Janet’s jug from airing, therefore, there was no network negligence. Nevertheless, Nipplegate was the shot heard ’round the world and the FCC immediately freaked out and created tighter restrictions and higher indecency. The boobie bonanza is over! [Guide Live]

Keep reading »

Amy Winehouse Covers Up

Amelia McDonell-ParryFebruary 15, 2008 //

Ever since Nipplegate no TV network has wanted to risk upsetting uptight viewers or the FCC, which may explain why Grammy producers asked Amy Winehouse to wear a long-sleeved shirt during her performance on Sunday’s show. See, Amy’s got a nude pin-up inked on her arm, but instead of saying “no, no, no” to her usual get-up of tight tank-tops and revealing dresses, she got a little more creative. Viewers with a keen eye probably noticed that Amy’s nude tat had a black bra on during the telecast — which she painted on using her trademark black liquid liner. [PageSix.com] Keep reading »

The Boob Tube

SimchaJanuary 28, 2008 //

It’s been four years since Nipplegate, the backlash from the controversial Super Bowl half-time show that beamed Janet Jackson’s ta-ta across the country. CBS had to flash over a half a million dollars cash for the un-coverage, but now that’s looking cheaper than the vinyl costume that “malfunctioned”. The FCC is at it again and this time it’s attacking ABC for a 5-year old episode of NYPD Blue in which a woman shows her tush and a sliver side view of her boob. This is definitely a case of too little too late as the commission has just filed a complaint calling the scene “titillating.” (Looks like the only thing the FCC finds entertaining is a pun.) They’re seeking a whopping 1.4 million dollars in fines from 50+ ABC affiliates, which they consider to be a bargain since the old rate of $27,500 a station has been raised exponentially post-Nipplegate to $325,000. Hey, someone’s got to pay for the FCC lawyers who are busy preparing to fight for more authority at the Supreme Court later this week. As gratuitous nudity-loving taxpayers, we here at the Frisky would like to argue the merit of T&A on network TV. It’s a free public service. Let’s let the only fine on the show be the naked actors. [Broadcasting & Cable] Keep reading »