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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Viewers Upset by ‘Risque’ ‘Moulin Rouge’ Performance

moulin-rouge-the-musical.jpg

The cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical had some Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade viewers clutching their pearls as Natalie Mendoza (Satine) and the cast performed “The Sparkling Diamond” – a song from the musical that mixes classic with modern by sampling moments from Madonna’s “Material Girl” and “Single Ladies” by Beyonce.

Some people even called the performance risqué, which they thought was incongruous when it came to the parade’s family message, but were met by defenders of the musical and the performance. Keep scrolling to see people’s reactions to the musical’s performance. 

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‘Catastrophic Fail’

Several people on Twitter called out NBC for airing the performance on the family program. 

https://twitter.com/LeslieMcC2/status/1463874781263110145
https://twitter.com/asharks74/status/1463874792822652934

‘What on Earth’

Others were simply confused by the wild performance altogether, with one person joking it was an “actual satanic ritual.”

https://twitter.com/jduganbarrett/status/1463874776934539266
https://twitter.com/haylkonig/status/1463874780935991299

‘Weird’

Some viewers thought it was “weird” NBC would show such “skimpy” outfits during the parade. 

https://twitter.com/susie144bp/status/1463874789202878466?s=20
https://twitter.com/HealthStudent/status/1463874780583677961

Complaints

Even those who weren’t offended by the performance thought NBC would probably be receiving complaints from a “bunch of prudes” in society. 

https://twitter.com/matt_blotney/status/1463874781896392709

Defenders

The musical’s performance also had plenty of defenders, one of whom joked the only “inappropriate” thing about the costumes was how cold they looked in the November chill.

https://twitter.com/PianoFreak9/status/1463885733626736648
https://twitter.com/madyson_dehaven/status/1463886010392141826

‘Stay Safe Out There’

People who liked the performance were quick to wish the performers well amid what they expected would be swift backlash.

https://twitter.com/nietzcheanstick/status/1463885365153083399
https://twitter.com/lesmizserables/status/1463886653056036865

Clapping Back

Others even responded to people complaining on social media with their thoughts about the matter.

https://twitter.com/marbleliberties/status/1463884862180536325
https://twitter.com/wlodarczykss/status/1463882635533590533

Watch the Performance

Moulin Rouge! The Musical opened on Broadway in 2019 and has gone on to win 10 Tony Awards, including for Best Musical. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance for yourself here.