The US TV network CBS has been hit with a record-breaking fine of $550,000 for Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" during this year's SuperBowl half-time show. Her performance was a duet with Justin Timberlake, at the end of which, Timberlake ripped off a piece of Jackson's black leather top, exposing her right breast to a TV audience of about 90 million.
The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to slap each of the 20 CBS-owned television stations with the maximum indecency penalty. The total penalty is the largest fine levied against a television broadcaster.
Reportedly, the incident generated a record number of complaints to the FCC - more than 500,000.
I wonder how many people would have complained if it had been in the UK instead of the US. I'm guessing the number would be closer to 5 than to 500,000. And 4 of those would be to complain that they couldn't see the breast properly, because of that funny bit of jewellery stuck on it.
550 grand for one breast? On the grounds of indecency? WTF? Would it have been 1100 for the pair? Or do you get a discount? And anyway, since when were breasts indecent? They're perfectly natural; nearly all women - and a growing number of men - have them. I could see the point if Janet had decided to show off her clit piercing on TV, or if viewers had been subjected to the sight of the Timberlake Trousersnake. But it was only a tit (and an oddly-shaped one, at that).
Get a grip. (On yourselves).
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