Ayatollah's Comeback To Super Bowl Controversy — On This Day In History February 1

What happened on February 1 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!

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Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s return to Tehran marked a pivotal moment in the Iranian Revolution, shifting the nation toward an Islamic Republic.

Khomeini had been exiled for nearly 15 years due to his opposition to the Shah of Iran's regime.
His arrival was met with an immense outpouring of support from revolutionaries, signaling the overthrow of the monarchy.
This event catalyzed the Islamic Revolution, which led to the establishment of a theocratic government in Iran.

The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, came after years of political conflict and her involvement in plots against Queen Elizabeth I.

Mary, a Catholic monarch, was seen as a legitimate threat to the Protestant Elizabeth’s throne by many in England.
Her involvement in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth led to her trial and eventual conviction for treason.
Despite Mary’s pleas for mercy, Elizabeth reluctantly signed the death warrant, leading to Mary’s execution.

France implemented a nationwide ban on smoking in workplaces as part of broader public health reforms aimed at reducing smoking rates.

The law banned smoking in offices, restaurants, bars, and other enclosed public spaces.
It was part of a larger European initiative to curb smoking-related diseases and raise awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke.
The move was controversial, especially in French culture, where smoking had long been an ingrained social activity.

A brief wardrobe malfunction during Janet Jackson’s performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII sparked intense public and media controversy.

During the halftime show, Justin Timberlake accidentally exposed Jackson’s breast, causing an uproar over the indecency.
The incident, often referred to as “Nipplegate,” led to a national debate about broadcasting standards and censorship.
The event resulted in fines for CBS and tighter regulations on live television broadcasts.