Catholic League: Minaj's Grammy set "vulgar"
While the audience was mixed on whether or not to applaud or boo Nicki Minaj's Grammy performance, there's one group who was definitely not pleased with her efforts. The Catholic League felt that the rapper's set was meant to make fun of Catholics -- and even mockingly proposed the possibility that Minaj may have been actually possessed during the show.
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Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, questioned in an article on their official website whether The Recording Academy, who puts on the Grammys, would have allowed a performance that insults Judaism or Islam.
"It's bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-a-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry," he wrote. "The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities."
For those of you who missed Minaj's bizarre Grammy appearance, here's what made Donohue and the Catholic League so angry. Not only did Minaj walk down the red carpet with a date who was dressed up like the Pope, her performance included a pre-taped odd homage to "The Exorcist." If that didn't get the point across, her limp body levitating above a demonic choir singing "Come All Ye Faithful" definitely did.
"Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer," Donohue wrote.
The Catholic League has taken issue with several other artists in the past including Lady Gaga and her video for "Judas" and Britney Spears' 2007 album art for "Blackout." They were skeptical that Madonna was an appropriate choice for this year's Super Bowl, and even spoke out against the Go-Go's website because the band members were dressed as the Virgin Mary.
Do you think the Catholic League has a right to be angry about Minaj's performance? Let us know in the comments below.
