After Grammys Performance, Catholic League Asks: 'Is Nicki Minaj Possessed?'
Robyn Beck/Agence France-Presse Getty Images Nicki Minaj performing above the Staples Center stage during the Grammy Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Well, a Grammys voiceover did promise that Nicki Minajs performance at the awards show on Sunday night would have everyone talking on Monday morning. And, in addition to the 39 million or so viewers who watched the broadcast and the countless more who chattered about it in the social mediasphere, one of those people presently discussing it is Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League. In a statement posted on the leagues Web site, Mr. Donohue wrote that Ms. Minajs stage number, which was filled with religious costumes and symbolism, showed the irresponsibility of Grammys organizers as well as anti-Christian and anti-Catholic biases.
Ms. Minaj, a rapper known for provocative lyrics and outfits, walked the Grammys red carpet on Sunday in a red cardinals robe and accompanied by a man dressed like the pope. Her performance at the awards show was preceded by a filmed homage to The Exorcist, and the number featured dancers dressed in religious garb that they gradually shed while Ms. Minaj sang from a torture rack and appeared to levitate over the stage.
In his statement, titled Is Nicki Minaj Possessed?, Mr. Donohue wrote that Ms. Minaj, fresh off looking like a fool with Mado! nna at t he Super Bowl, had contributed to a vulgar display that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer.
Mr. Donohue added: None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys. Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.
A press representative for the Recording Academy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.