Fear of buttocks, breasts and even genitalia
Grace Carroll

11:13 7th February 2013

Organisers of the 2013 Grammy Awards have issued a strict ban on nudity at this year's ceremony, sending a memo to performers covering what can and can't be worn on the awards' show stage.

The memo is from CBS and is thought to be a reference to Janet Jackson's still infamous 'nip slip' at the Super Bowl halftime show, even though it took place in 2004.

The statement encourages artists and "audience members that appear on camera" to avoid thong type costumes as they are "problematic," and to be mindful of FCC guidelines.

It also says that any piece of clothing with foreign language on it will "need to be cleared," and that even "bare sides or under curvature of the breasts" is to be avoided.

The full memo reads, "CBS Program Practices advises that all talent appearing on camera please adhere to Network policy concerning wardrobe. Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered. Thong type costumes are problematic.

"Please avoid exposing bare fleshy under curves of the buttocks and buttock crack. Bare sides or under curvature of the breasts is also problematic. Please avoid sheer see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples.

"Please be sure the genital region is adequately covered so that there is no visible "puffy" bare skin exposure. Please avoid commercial identification of actual brand name products on T-shirts. Foreign language on wardrobe will need to be cleared."


Unsurprisingly, Taylor Swift didn't break any guidelines when she hosted the Grammys with LL Cool J last year

The statement continues, "OBSCENITY OR PARTIALLY SEEN OBSCENITY ON WARDROBE IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR BROADCAST. This as well, pertains to audience members that appear on camera.

"Finally, The Network requests that any organized cause visibly spelled out on talent's wardrobe be avoided. This would include lapel pins or any other form of accessory."

The 55th Grammy awards will take place on 10 February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and will be hosted by LL Cool J.

Check out the photos from last year's Grammy awards below

  • Adele

  • Adele

  • Taylor Swift

  • Robyn

  • Deadmau5

  • David Guetta

  • Bruno Mars

  • Bruno Mars

  • Rihanna

  • Rihanna

  • Paris Hilton

  • Kelly Rowland

  • Alicia Keys

  • Diana Ross

  • Mitch and Janis Winehouse

  • Katy Perry

  • Katy Perry

  • Fergie

  • Adam Levine

  • Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz

  • Jessie J

  • Jessie J

  • Nicki Minaj

  • Nicki Minaj

Grab your copy of the Gigwise print magazine here.


Photo: WENN