The revived "Billboard Music Awards" might have been a hit with viewers, but there's one group that was none too thrilled with Sunday's telecast: The Parents Television Council.
The media watchdog group/professional scolds issued an action alert on Tuesday, calling for a boycott of the show's sponsors, following a risque performance by Rihanna and Britney Spears of the former's hit song "S&M."
Also read: "Parents' Group Raps 'Family Guy's' Horsing Around"
Deriding the performance as a "Vegas stripper show," the PTC lamented the fact that the performance was aired at a time (the awards started 8 p.m. ET) when children might be watching. The action alert also provided a shockingly detailed — some might say sweaty-palmed — account of the duet, so that their followers could fully understand what they were being offended by:
"The opening number featured singer Rihanna, clad in a white leather dominatrix outfit, writhing on the stage as men’s hands groped at her thighs and crotch, while singing the lyrics, 'Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it/Sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me.' Later in the song, Rihanna was joined by Britney Spears in a black leather outfit and bunny ears and mask. Together the two twirled on stripper poles, then concluded the song with a pillow fight."
The PTC concludes its alert by urging readers to exert their financial influence over the Disney-owned network ABC, which aired the awards, and the companies who advertised during the ceremony.
"If YOU are sick and tired of Hollywood dumping explicit sex shows into your living room, TAKE ACTION!" the PTC urges. "Contact ABC-Disney and the show’s advertisers — Chevrolet, Old Navy and McDonalds, among others — and let them know that you plan to 'vote with your wallet' next time you’re shopping!"
ABC did not immediately return TheWrap's request for comment.
Gauge your own level of outrage over Rihanna and Spears' performance by watching the video below.