The photo caused some dispute when it was first shown in 1989 . Some people who were against the photo , including United States Senators Al D'Amanto and Jesse Helms were upset that Serrano was given $ 15,000 for the work . The piece caused a scandal when it was exhibited in 1989 , with detractors , including United States Senators Al D'Amato and Jesse Helms , outraged that Serrano received $ 15,000 for the work , part of it from the taxpayer-funded National Endowment for the Arts .