Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance has caused quite the uproar among TV viewers, with many filing complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
According to a recent report, the majority of complaints were due to the sexual nature of the lyrics and choreography in Rihanna’s set, with some viewers even likening it to pornography.
“When I'm with you, all I get is wild thoughts”https://t.co/iRY2u9XTDI@Rihanna@AppleMusic Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show@NFL@NFLonFOX#SBLVII#Rihanna pic.twitter.com/MKvx0x6rHp
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) February 14, 2023
One viewer in California wrote to the FCC expressing concern for children being exposed to pornography, stating that decency and respect for others had been lost. Another viewer from Utah said they had to turn off the TV due to the “pornographic content” in the halftime show.
The background dancers drew most of the criticism from viewers who found their gestures “patently offensive and completely inappropriate for children.” Even when Rihanna herself danced, some viewers took issue with it, with one viewer from Florida noting that she “spread her a** cheek at the crack” and “rubbed her pants where her labia were three times.”
Everything. @Rihanna #AppleMusicHalftime pic.twitter.com/shK5n9wCcN
— NFL (@NFL) February 13, 2023
However, despite the complaints, Rihanna’s halftime show was mild in comparison to other controversial performances in the past. The FCC received over 540,000 complaints about the infamous Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl.
In spite of the criticism, Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance was praised by many for its creative visuals and innovative set design. The singer, who was pregnant at the time, performed a medley of her hit songs, including “Umbrella” and “Work.”
SHE’S BAAAACK 👑 @Rihanna #AppleMusicHalftime pic.twitter.com/rH2G9r2RSc
— NFL (@NFL) February 13, 2023
It’s worth noting that FCC complaints are nothing new when it comes to Super Bowl halftime performances. In recent years, both Beyoncé and Lady Gaga have received backlash from viewers who found their performances to be too political or inappropriate.
“Work, work, work, work, work, work”https://t.co/iRY2u9XTDI@Rihanna@AppleMusic Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show@NFL@NFLonFOX#SBLVII#Rihanna pic.twitter.com/POpz7REuJr
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) February 14, 2023
Ultimately, while Rihanna’s performance may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, it’s clear that her artistic vision and creative direction left a lasting impact on many viewers.
And in the end, that’s what the Super Bowl halftime show is all about: creating a memorable experience for viewers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of music and performance.
