Fear of a Black Nipple

It’s been six years since Janet Jackson’s famous breast-flash made America blush during halftime of the Super Bowl (and the term “wardrobe malfunction entered the national lexicon), and the red tape and litigation is still ongoing.
Back then Janet was hot as fire on the charts; so was her conspirator Justin Timberlake. People like Sean Paul were big back then, and Christina Aguilera was what Lady Gaga is now.
So what happened after the performance?
CBS was fined $550,000 by the FCC but balked at paying that much, which lead to the Supreme Court taking up the case.
Now, in 2010 — when nobody cares — the issue will finally see its day in court.
Never has a nip slp caused this much controversy.
The snafu just about ruined Janet’s career, some say. It also led to a rift between her and Timberlake over his lack of support.
It became a public and nearly a landmark free speech and censorship issue.
It even led to a several-second tape delay for Super Bowls.
Boy, that was one powerful nipple.
Or was it just the traditional fright-laden response to everything we do?
You decide.

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