Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime performance reportedly provoked criticism from a fraction of viewers who deemed the display to be too sexual.
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According to the Daily Mail, Rihanna’s first performance since 2016 was viewed by over 100 million people. But, as reported by TMZ, a fraction of Super Bowl viewers “flooded” the FCC with complaints about the show. The FCC, or Federal Communications Bureau, is a government agency that regulates “interstate and international communications through cable, radio, television, satellite and wire,” as reported by USAGov.
The outlet reports that viewers complained about the star’s performance having “lyrics and choreography were way too sexualized.” And some, according to the outlet, even compared the singer’s performance “to porn.”
The FCC Reportedly Received Over 100 Complaints About Rihanna’s Performance
Additionally, the outlet adds that the FCC reportedly received 103 complaints regarding Rihanna’s 13-minute performance set. TMZ shared a few of the complaints with the public.
I don’t care what someone worships but children shouldn’t be exposed to pornography and as an adult I don’t wish to see it … Where has decency gone? How about respect for others and self?
This year the halftime show was so indecent I had to turn off the TV because of the pornographic content.
Many complaints cited Rihanna’s provocative dance moves as cause for criticism.
2/ One viewer from Oklahoma wrote the @FCC:
"The song was obscene as well as the way
she & her dancer touched themselves. Each of them should have gone to the restroom before the
program started instead of holding themselves." pic.twitter.com/nV36l0o0Wv— Noah Pransky (@noahpransky) February 24, 2023
A political reporter named Noah Pransky was able to obtain a list of the states where most of the complaints came from.
3/ Where did the most complaints come from?
11 – Texas
8 – California
8 – Michigan
7 – Florida
6 – New York
5 – Virginia— Noah Pransky (@noahpransky) February 24, 2023
And shared a few additional complaints that he uncovered.
4/ Let's read a few more?
"Get this disgusting content off US airwaves – our children are at stake!"
– viewer in TX"Not provocative nor artistic. It's all been done before & leaves no profound statement other than the sorry degradation of the humans doing it."
– viewer in PA— Noah Pransky (@noahpransky) February 24, 2023
5/ A viewer in Kentucky wrote the @FCC:
"I have to wonder how all the dancing sperm characters got pass censors to be aired?" pic.twitter.com/m8wpixrH18
— Noah Pransky (@noahpransky) February 24, 2023
Political Reporter Noah Pransky Shared How The Complaints Measure Up To Previous Halftime Performances
Noah Pransky was also able to provide further insight as to how the number of complaints the FCC received for Rihanna’s performance measured up to past halftime shows.
8/ A few more Rihanna @FCC complaints:
"My 7yo will never unsee a grownup performer repeatedly grabbing her crotch & behind."
– Super Bowl viewer from MN"I would like to know why I watched…a vulgar sexual expression commonly known as a scratch & sniff"
– Viewer from MI— Noah Pransky (@noahpransky) February 24, 2023
Social Media Users React
Social media users were quick to share their reactions to news of the complaints. Many of whom seemed puzzled by the backlash.
https://twitter.com/AmunaLuv/status/1629137856366010371
Sexual??🤨 pic.twitter.com/XZxrqAQDh7
— ♓Yun-seong🍥 (@RJ_Phenomenon) February 24, 2023
— Jackie Chiles-Vandelay, House of Mogh (@spacelysrocket) February 24, 2023
Sexual…wth show was they watching? pic.twitter.com/ZEzBdUU7Bj
— 👽Distracted and Delirious🪐 (@MylifeVana) February 24, 2023
Roommates, how did you feel about Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance?
