The term "Chappaquiddick" refers to an incident that occurred on July 18, 1969, when U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy drove off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts. The car plunged into the water, and while Kennedy escaped, his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, tragically drowned. The event raised significant media attention and scrutiny regarding Kennedy's actions that night, including his delay in reporting the accident. It had lasting implications for his political career and public perception, contributing to discussions about accountability and the responsibilities of public figures.