'Unholy' Grammys Spark CBS, FCC Complaints

NY Post Composite 1/12/23

Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ controversial Grammys performance was slapped with a myriad of FCC complaints, reports The NY Post.

The duo sent temperatures rising while performing their chart-topping song “Unholy” during the 65th Grammy Awards. The risqué rendition saw both singers and their backup dancers clad in blood-red devil-esque costumes.

After Smith and Petras raised eyebrows with their creative choices, TMZ reported outraged viewers filed complaints against CBS and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The outlet obtained 18 complaints filed with the FCC, with most of them slamming the performance for its “glorification” of Satan.

During the performance, Smith, 30, was clad in red leather and donned a hat with horns protruding from it — evoking comparisons to the devil.

The nonbinary singer, who uses they/them pronouns, rocked red high-heeled boots and leather pants, and a crimson shirt with a matching collar. Later, they wore a top hat with horns and completed the look with a cane.

Meanwhile, 30-year-old Petras donned a little red dress and satanic headgear while performing in a cage surrounded by whip-wielding backup dancers.

The stage design complemented the motif as huge flames were shot into the air during the segment.

“I will be canceling my television service due to this,” one complaint obtained by the outlet reads.

Other critics slammed the performance as “anti-Christian,” saying the theme of it has the potential to “increase violence against Christians.”

“It was wrought with evil imagery, and depicted DEVIL WORSHIPING ACOLYTES writhing around on the floor virtually naked, and in CAGES,” another complaint read. “It was broadcast on live television, and I cannot believe that CBS allowed it.”