Miley Cyrus ‘Blurred Lines’ VMA Performance, MTV Slammed By Parents Television Council For Sexual Exploitation

MTV is being accused of “sexually exploiting women” this week following Miley Cyrus’ performance of "Blurred Lines" at the annual Video Music Awards (VMA) show on Sunday.

In a statement released by the Parents Television Council (PTC) Monday, the organization slammed the network for allowing the 20-year-old former Disney star to perform suggestive dance moves and sport revealing attire on air. “MTV has once again succeeded in marketing sexually charged messages to young children using former child stars,” said the director of public policy for the PTC, Dan Isett. “This is unacceptable.”

The statement from the PTC claims the group's anger stems from the awards show being deemed a family-friendly rating despite Cyrus’ performance and other racy acts including Lady Gaga’s performance of her single “Applause." "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?"

Following the performance, the PTC has requested Congress to pass the Television Consumer Freedom Act to allow parents to cancel their subscription to cable networks such as MTV. “After MTV’s display last night, it’s time to give control back to consumers,” said the organization, which also listed concerns regarding a reported condom commercial that played during the broadcast and an alleged movie trailer for an R-rated film that aired during the show’s first commercial break.

Parents are not the only ones still reeling from Cyrus’ performance. “Blurred Lines” singer Robin Thicke is also reportedly upset over his VMA collaboration with the star. "Robin thought it would be fun to include Miley," a source told Us Weekly Monday, "but he didn't realize how much she would overshadow him. I don't think he would have done it knowing what it ended up like.”