Gregory Robinson
The 'Unholy' performance at the Grammys has sparked further outrage with at least 18 FCC complaints, which could lead to fines for broadcaster CBS, Sam Smith and Kim Petras.
The 30-year-old 'Stay With Me' singer took to the stage for a devilish live rendition of their hit single with fellow singer Kim Petras.
Following the release of Smith's new album Gloria, they have been met with backlash because of the sexual content in the music video for 'I'm Not Here to Make Friends', their outfit at the Brit Awards on Saturday (11 February) and of course, the Grammys.
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Smith wore devil-inspired red outfits alongside a troupe of horned dancers who were all surrounded by a fire across the stage, while Petras performed inside a cage.
The performance was labelled ‘satanic’ by viewers, who slammed its content as a tribute to Satan.
Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have logged at least 18 complaints about the performance, according to reports obtained by TMZ.
In one complaint, a viewer threatened to cancel their TV service because of the performance.
And another called the performance ‘anti-Christian’ and had the potential to ‘increase violence against Christians’.
A third complaint read: “It was wrought with evil imagery, and depicted DEVIL WORSHIPING ACOLYTES writhing around on the floor virtually naked, and in CAGES.
“It was broadcast on live television, and I cannot believe that CBS allowed it.”
While someone else called it a ‘Satanic Mass’ and highlighted the potential impact on younger viewers.
They wrote: “'Satanic evil full blasted on a TV that teens and young adults are influenced by. This was not an award show at all. More like a Satanic Mass.”
According to FCC, it is a 'violation of federal law to air obscene programming at any time' and broadcasters could potentially face 'imprisonment for not more than 2 years or by a fine in accordance with this title, or both'.
And this isn’t the first time a performance at the Grammys caused outrage.
Back in 2021, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion live version of ‘WAP’ drew over 1,000 complaints after it was labelled ‘pornographic’ at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Not long after the Grammys earlier this month, Petras shed some light on the inspiration behind it and claimed it has nothing to do with devil worship.
"I think a lot of people, honestly, have kind of labeled what I stand for and what Sam stands for as religiously not cool," she told Variety.
"And I personally grew up wondering about religion and wanting to be a part of it but slowly realising it didn’t want me to be a part of it.
"So it’s a take on not being able to choose religion. And not being able to live the way that people might want you to live, because as a trans person I’m already not kind of wanted in religion.
"So we were doing a take on that and I was kind of hellkeeper Kim."
Tyla has reached out to CBS and the FCC for comment.