Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the decision by the National Football League (NFL) and NBC to invite pop star Madonna to perform at halftime during Super Bowl XLVI:
On October 11, I wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell asking him not invite Madonna to perform during the 2012 Super Bowl; a week earlier, I spelled out our concerns. Here’s a recap.
“In 2004, the NFL invited ‘N Sync’s JC Chasez to sing during the halftime of the Pro Bowl game. When Chasez said he was going to sing his latest single, ‘Some Girls (Dance with Women),’ the NFL objected, citing the sexual lyrics that may offend viewers (at the time, the NFL was still receiving flak over the Justin Timberlake-Janet Jackson Super Bowl controversy). The NFL then asked Chasez to sing ‘Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love)’ instead. Chasez agreed to do so. Then the NFL decided that the singer had to drop the lyrics ‘horny’ and ‘naughty’ from the song. Again, Chasez acceded to the request. The NFL then reconsidered the propriety of having Chasez sing altogether, and decided to withdraw the invitation (he was offered to sing the national anthem, but declined).
“The NFL cannot expect Catholics to be treated any different. Chasez may be known for some dicey lyrics, but he is chopped meat compared to Madonna. For decades, Madonna has blatantly offended Christians, especially Catholics. The offensive lyrics, lewd behavior and misappropriation of sacred symbols are reason enough not to have her perform. Worse, she has repeatedly mocked the heart and soul of Christianity: Jesus, Our Blessed Mother, the Eucharist and the Crucifixion.”
Goodell is gambling that Madonna will behave herself. If she doesn’t, he’s the one who will be in the hot seat. No matter, he’s already shown a side of himself to Catholics that is disturbing.
Contact Brian McCarthy, VP of Corporate Communications: Brian.McCarthy@nfl.com
