Cardi B’s performance at the Grammy Awards with Megan Thee Stallion has been heavily criticized for its sexually explicit content, prompting over 1,000 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
According to Business Insider, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion performed their hit song “WAP” at the Grammy Awards, leaving many viewers disappointed. During the ceremony, the duo performed several songs, including “WAP,” on a large bed onstage, leading some viewers to characterize the performance as akin to pornography.
Many viewers described the performance as “disgusting” and unsuitable for young audiences. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on children who may have been watching the awards ceremony. One resident of Virginia expressed concern about children being exposed to what they perceived as pornographic content, stating, “It was unbearable to watch Cardi B’s performance at the Grammys. The thought of young children watching that content made me feel uncomfortable.” One complaint to the FCC described the performance as “crossing the line” into pornography.
The decision to feature the song “WAP” in the performance has also drawn criticism for the CBS network (which broadcasted the Grammy Awards) and the event’s organizers from social activists and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE). Many have called for CBS to cease airing such “vulgar” content, while others have suggested renaming the Grammy Awards as a separate adult-themed program to filter out certain viewers.
The backlash against Cardi B’s performance is not entirely surprising, as both she and Megan Thee Stallion have faced criticism for their performances in the past. Following this particular performance, Cardi B engaged in a heated exchange with Candace Owens, a conservative commentator and political activist, who accused her of promoting values that undermine American principles. Despite the criticism, Cardi B thanked Owens for her comments, which she claimed contributed to an increase in views of the performance on YouTube.
The song “WAP,” recorded by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion, was released in August 2020. The song, which features explicit lyrics, has been praised for its message of female empowerment but has also faced backlash for its explicit content. Despite the controversy surrounding the song and its performances, “WAP” has achieved significant commercial success, breaking streaming records in its first week of release with 93 million streams.
