Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy" performance has been controversial since the very beginning. Just from the title alone, the song can already give listeners a peek at what it is really about.
That is why when the song was performed at the Grammy Awards last Feb. 5, 2023, people on social media, even in government, have been speaking out against it, dragged because of its supposed "satanic rituals" on live television.
Recently, Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy" performance at the 2023 BRITS Awards has launched another flurry of backlash from the conservative people of the United Kingdom who has witnessed their controversial performance.
Unlike the 2023 Grammys, Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy" performance at the BRITS was much more toned down than the fiery one on the former. They were instead clad in a grunge garage outfit, but Smith still wore a hat with devil horns - which was something that many viewers have come to hate.
According to NME Magazine, the UK Office of Communications or OFCOM has received over a hundred complaints just from the performance alone.
However, it was not clear what part of it was pointed out by the complainants.
For context, the UK Office of Communications or OFCOM is the regulatory arm of the UK government that deals with broadcasting, telecommunications, and postal industries.
The entire ceremony also got complaints because of the rude and offensive language used, as well as the amount of alcohol being consumed in the show.
Right-wing commentators and conspiracy theorists have come together to call out the "Unholy" performance.
"Don't fight the culture wars, they say. Meanwhile, demons are teaching your kids to worship Satan. I could throw up," renowned commentator Liz Wheeler said in a statement.
Senator Ted Cruz also condemned the performance, describing it as "evil."
On the other hand, The Church of Satan has commented on the performance, but for them, it was a rather lackluster performance.
"It's sad when politicians on a national stage use someone's religion as a punchline," Magister David Harris said after calling it "nothing particularly special."
"Unholy" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2023 BRITS and Sam Smith for Best Pop/R&B Act. As for the Grammy Awards, Smith and Petras won Best Pop/Duo Group Performance.
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