Site last updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

NBC turns over tapes of Olympic opening ceremony to FCC after complaint

NEW YORK - NBC has turned over tapes of the opening ceremony of the Athens Olympics to the Federal Communications Commission after an indecency complaint, an industry source told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

An FCC spokesman declined comment Friday when contacted by the AP. It is not clear what part of the ceremony drew a complaint or who complained - or even if there was more than one.

The FCC automatically reviews a broadcast when it receives complaints.

The move by NBC, first reported by Mediaweek magazine, is the latest in a string of sports-related events that have drawn the FCC's attention, from Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl to last month's steamy opening to "Monday Night Football."

The Athens opening ceremony was televised on Aug. 13, and included the ancient god of love, Eros, flying above two lovers dancing and playing in the water. Then Eros hovered over a procession of figures from Greek history - from ancient vase paintings to a tribute to the Greek shepherd, Spiros Louis, who won the first Olympic marathon. There was also a depiction of a pregnant woman whose belly glowed.

In the last year, the sports world has been keeping the government agency busy. It began at February's Super Bowl when singer Justin Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson's outfit during the halftime show, exposing her right breast to a TV audience of some 90 million people.

CBS is protesting a proposed FCC fine of $550,000.

The "MNF" opening that featured Philadelphia receiver Terrell Owens and actress Nicollette Sheridan, who was clad only in a towel, drew a rash of complaints, resulting in an apology from ABC.

More in Amateur

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS