NEW YORK - Hard-living American rockers Motley Crue are suing NBC television over the network`s decision to ban the group following frontman Vince Neil`s use of an expletive during a live broadcast.
The suit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, claims that the ban impinged on the band`s rights to free speech and also impacted record sales because of reduced media exposure, the New York Times reported Wednesday.
"We meant no harm, but it feels that we`re being singled out and unfairly," bass player Nikki Sixx told the newspaper.
"This is a discrimination issue, pure and simple," Sixx said. "All we`ve ever asked is to be treated like everybody else, which is why we`re taking this action."
The network ban was imposed after Neil inserted an expletive into his New Year`s greeting to drummer Tommy Lee during a December 31 performance on "The Tonight Show."
In a statement, NBC dismissed the lawsuit as "meritless."
"To ensure compliance with its broadcast standards, NBC has the right to decide not to invite back guests who violate those standards and use an expletive during a live entertainment program," the statement said.
Ever since Janet Jackson`s prime-time "wardrobe malfunction" at the 2004 Superbowl, US television networks have been extremely wary of any material that might incur the wrath of an increasingly punitive Federal Communications Commission -- the national broadcast regulator.
A model for glam rock excess during the 1980s, Motley Crue are currently on a world tour in support of a greatest hits album.
05/25/2005 13:56 GMT