Some of the nearly 119 million viewers who tuned in for the Super Bowl LVII halftime show were apparently unhappy with what they saw.
The Federal Communications Commission received more than 100 complaints after the big game, many of which related to the performance of pop and R&B singer Rihanna. Some viewers claimed the show was “overtly sexual” in nature, TMZ reported.
Others felt that some of the dance moves were “patently offensive and completely inappropriate for children”.
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Rihanna performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Ariz. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
A Utah viewer reportedly wrote that “this year’s halftime show was so indecent I had to turn off the TV because of the pornographic content”.
SHAQ DEFENSES RIHANNA AMONG CRITICS OF SUPER BOWL LVII HALFTIME SHOW PERFORMANCE: ‘SHUT YOUR FACE’
Others simply took to Twitter to voice their criticism, including wrestler Bill Goldberg, who said the show was “frickin’ awful.”
Dressed all in red for her first live performance in seven years, Rihanna stunned fans when it was revealed she is pregnant with her second child. (Getty Images)
The feedback on the 34-year-old’s performance was not entirely critical. Several well-known athletes said they enjoyed the show.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James shared a tweet saying, “Rih has so many great songs!!!!”
US women’s national soccer team player Alex Morgan and recently retired NFL defenseman JJ Watt also applauded Rihanna’s performance.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal also came to Rihanna’s defense.
“All the people who don’t respect my Rihanna, shut up. Shut up,” he said on “The Big Podcast.” “I was there. It was beautiful. She did great. I didn’t know she was pregnant until she fell out, but leave this lady alone…. You did a great job. I love you.”
Rihanna performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Ariz. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
More than 113 million viewers tuned into FOX’s television and digital properties, representing the best audience for a Super Bowl in six years.
But Rihanna’s halftime show averaged 118.7 million viewers, according to FOX Sports Public Relations. The figure represents a 15% increase over last year’s show.
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Viewers saw the Chiefs’ thrilling comeback win over the Eagles. The win gave the Chiefs their second Lombardi Trophy in four seasons.