Court Nixes Fine for the Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction

A federal appeals court in Philadelphia overturned a $550,000 fine against CBS Corp. for the Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had imposed a fine on CBS network for a 2004 incident with Janet Jackson during the Super Bowl. During halftime, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performed Timberlake's Rock Your Body. Towards the end of the number, Justin Timberlake sang that he would "have you naked by the end of the song." Then he tore off part of Janet Jackson's black leather bustier and exposed part of her bare breast. CBS, MTV, and Timberlake have apologized, calling the incident a wardrobe malfunction. The court ruled that the FCC's actions had been "arbitrary and capricious."

Court Nixes Fine for the Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction: Two Sides to the Janet Jackson Story

Conservative social groups sided with the FCC, arguing that Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction had been indecent and that CBS network had behaved irresponsibly by allowing it to air. Viewers were concerned that Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction had aired prime time and that there were children watching.

Yet those who support the Philadelphia court ruling could argue that CBS had no control over Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction. The incident had been unrehearsed, and the network had no time to perform damage control. Although the network employs a five-second delay to prevent profanity, there had been no such measures to prevent this visual wardrobe malfunction.

I see both sides to the wardrobe malfunction incident. On the one hand, I agree with the Philadelphia court ruling. CBS should not be punished for an incident that was beyond its control. However, CBS should use this as a lesson to prevent future wardrobe malfunctions from airing on TV.

Court Nixes Fine for the Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction: Other Janet Jackson Moments