Truth rating: 10
4:14 pm, February 13th, 2012
(GettyImages.com)
The Catholic League has released a scathing statement condemning Nicki Minaj for her Grammy Awards performance on Sunday, but the singer is defending her choice to use religious imagery in the over-the-top appearance.
The eyebrow-rasing performance included Minaj, who arrived at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with a Pope look-alike, singing her new song “Roman Holiday” as she appeared in a mock confessional with the aforementioned “Pope.”
A short The Exorcist-like film played on large screens, and performers dressed as choir boys and monks danced around the stage.
RELATED – Watch Nicki Minaj’s Controversial Grammys Performance
Not surprisingly, Minaj’s choices didn’t go over well with some in the religious community.
In its statement recapping the performance, Catholic League president Bill Donohue said, “The most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer.”
“None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys,” said Donohue, adding, “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.”
Donohue’s statement concluded, “It’s bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-à-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry. The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities.”
RELATED – 2012 Grammy Awards Winners List
But those damning comments – and mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike – haven’t deterred Minaj from standing by her performance.
“Were they offended by ‘the devil inside’??? Shut-up & watch the movie b**ch!” Minaj wrote on Twitter Monday in a series of expletive-laden tweets.
She added, “Not, 2, Not 1…I wish I at least had a point five percentile worth of f**ks to give right now.”
“And more importantly, love people for WHO they are. #nohate #nojudgement #nocondemnation,” Minaj wrote.
What do you think of Donohue and Minaj’s comments? Who do you agree with?
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