Turner: PSY Still Slated for TNT Performance
South Korean performer apologizes for anti-American rap in 2004
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/8/2012 12:23:56 PM
On Saturday, Dec. 8, a Turner spokersperson confirmed that South Korean rapper PSY, whose "Gangnam Style" video has become the most-viewed clip in YouTube history (outdrawing Justin Bieber) with over 910 million views, will perform at Sunday's taping of Turner/Time Warner's holiday TV special in Washington, which airs Dec. 21 on TNT, for an audience that is expected to include the First Family and a host of D.C. political power players.
Psy has drawn criticism for anti-American performances almost a decade ago. "PSY will perform at Christmas in Washington, as planned," said the spokeswoman. The taping has become one of D.C. power players' most popular holiday parties, often attended by legislators, cabinet members, Supreme Court Justices, and FCC commissioners, and is capped by the President and first family traditionally joining in a Christmas Carol and saluting the troops.
According to CNN, PSY apologized Friday for the anti-American lyrics he used in a 2004 performance, which came to light after it aired on CNN's iReport in October. The song included calling for the death of American troops and came following a wave of anti-American sentiment in the country sparked by the war in Iraq.
"While I am grateful for the freedom to express one's self, I've learned there are limits to what language is appropriate," PSY said in a statement reported by CNN. "I'm deeply sorry for how these lyrics could be interpreted," he said. "I will forever be sorry for any pain I have caused by those words."
In addition to PSY, this year's show, hosted by Conan O'Brien, features performances by Diana Ross, Megan Hilty, Demi Lovato, Chris Mann and Scotty McCreery.
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After reading the few comments here I may not have the full story. Here is my opinion. 1. He should not be allowed to be in an American Christmas special. 2. I will do everything I can to avoid your broadcasting company if you do not remove him. You have your choices and I have mine. 3. I urge the President and every politician to politely boycott the taping if he is not removed. To not do so is a slap in the face of our military, veterans and first responders. He has a public voice and used it inappropriately. Our leaders should act like leaders and decline this performance unless he is removed. 4. Shame on you Turner for letting this go this far.
Dan Stout - 12/12/2012 11:20:55 AM EST -
Phony apologies to Americans? At least we got one, unlike what happened to the South Koreans after OUR troops stationed their ran over two teenage grils with a tank...
SKA - 12/12/2012 4:28:08 AM EST -
How about you tools do some reasearch and find out WHY they were protesting Americans. Our troops were stationed in their country and ran over some teenage girls with a tank, Bush pulled some strings and prevented the troops involved from being charged with a crime for it. Hence why Psy dropped a tank in his protest. How would YOU like it if some foreign troops staying at the local base got drunk one night and went for a joyride with a tank and killed your daugther or sister and then their country prevents you from getting jusitce for their death? It also didn't help our case a few years later when we refused to assist them when one of their missionairies were held hostage and later killed in Iraq.
SKA - 12/12/2012 4:26:38 AM EST -
I feel that Psy should never perform on show in the Christmas in Washington. What is wrong with TNT? You, media guys completely out of your mind to let this Psycho perform on that historical events. I read Korean and there is one part on the lyrics had mentioned that Psy calls names bitches to all the women and men in the military. Also he wants to kill Yankees' daughters? The most daughters of soldiers are very young children. He means he wants to kill those children. Kill those children slowly and painfully? This is terrorism and humanitarian issue. It is not expectable. If Psy wants to respect Americans, especially, those men and women who scarifies for country, Psy himself should give up on his performance on the Christmas event. How sincere is that he sent a few phony apologies to Americans? Come on everybody about time to wake up!!!
Tomiko Lee - 12/10/2012 1:08:06 AM EST -
I feel that Psy should never perform on show in the Christmas in Washington. What is wrong with TNT? You, media guys completely out of your mind to let this Psycho perform on that historical events. I read Korean and there is one part on the lyrics had mentioned that Psy calls names bitches to all the women and men in the military. Also he wants to kill Yankees' daughters? The most daughters of soldiers are very young children. He means he wants to kill those children. Kill those children slowly and painfully? This is terrorism and humanitarian issue. It is not expectable. If Psy wants to respect Americans, especially, those men and women who scarifies for country, Psy himself should give up on his performance on the Christmas event. How sincere is that he sent a few phony apologies to Americans? Come on everybody about time to wake up!!!
Tomiko Lee - 12/10/2012 1:01:31 AM EST
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