New York City, N.Y., Oct 12, 2011 / 23:42 pm
After rumors that the controversial pop singer Madonna was under consideration to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, the National Football League has assured fans that its Super Bowl shows will be “appropriate for our audience.”
“We have not commented on any potential musical performers for the Super Bowl and will not until we make an announcement,” NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told CNA on Oct. 12.
On Oct. 3 the sports website SB Nation reported that Madonna would be part of the February championship game’s halftime entertainment.
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, said that Madonna’s history of religious provocation makes her unsuitable as a performer at Super Bowl XLVI.
“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,” Donohue said Oct. 4.
He said the singer has “repeatedly mocked” Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Eucharist and the Crucifixion.
The Super Bowl halftime show in February 2004 became notorious when performer Janet Jackson had a “wardrobe malfunction” which exposed her breast at the end of a song with lewd and suggestive lyrics.