Parents Television Council Condemns Miley Cyrus' VMA Performance

Parents Television Council Condemns Miley Cyrus' VMA Performance

The Parents Television Council is notorious for its high-profile initiatives against morally-questionable programming on TV. The latest target for the PG crusaders? Miley Cyrus, whose performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards last night has drawn the ire of the organization.

In a statement released today, the PTC condemned Cyrus' performance:

“MTV has once again succeeded in marketing sexually charged messages to young children using former child stars and condom commercials — while falsely rating this program as appropriate for kids as young as 14. This is unacceptable,” said PTC Director of Public Policy Dan Isett in the release. “This much is absolutely clear: MTV marketed adults-only material to children while falsely manipulating the content rating to make parents think the content was safe for their children. MTV continues to sexually exploit young women by promoting acts that incorporate ‘twerking’ in a nude-colored bikini. How is this image of former child star Miley Cyrus appropriate for 14-year-olds? How is it appropriate for children to watch Lady Gaga strip down to a bikini in the opening act? How is it appropriate for 14-year-olds to see a condom commercial and a promo for an R-rated movie during the first commercial break?”

The statement continues, “This content would likely not be given a forum if it were on a broadcast network. Yet MTV continues to push limits because it’s a cable network. But that does not mean MTV’s decisions have no consequences, especially for the millions of children who were targeted by MTV. We urge Congress to pass the Television Consumer Freedom Act which will give parents and consumers a real solution for future MTV VMA programs – the ability to choose and pay for cable networks that they want vs. having to pay for networks they don’t want. After MTV’s display last night, it’s time to give control back to consumers.”

Of course, this isn't the first time The PTC has gone after MTV for its programming, having previously condemned the network for Jersey Shore, 16 and Pregnant, and Teen Mom, among many other such programs.

Via: Entertainment Weekly

So what do you think? Did Miley go too far? Or is the PTC overreacting? Sound off in the comments!