Three private TV networks in Turkey were fined by the country's Audiovisual Council, after they broadcasted the video "Can't Remember to Forget You" by Shakira and Rihanna, under the argument that the video "promotes homosexuality".
The popular video of the pop singers shows the two stars scantily clad and in provocative poses which Turkey's Audivisual Council does not agree with; the Council, better known as RTÜK, consider that the two singers "laying down on a bed, with transparent clothing, covering their breasts with their hair and very close to each other," is a "negative example" for the men and women of that country, according to CNN.
Through a press release quoted by Hurriyet Daily News, the RTÜK assured that "in the music video in question, Shakira is seen laying down on a bed with her hands between her legs. Both female artists are on the same bed, semi-naked, wearing nothing but revealing dresses."
But what bothered the Council the most was that Shakira and Rihanna "showed special closeness by laying down and touching their backs against each other."
With these arguments, Turkish authorities considered that the video is an "invitation" to homosexuality and might become a "specially damaging model for children and teenagers".
According to CNN, the Council's decision was made on March 20; however, the relevant documents were made public on Thursday, and they immediately caught the attention of the world.
The RTÜK imposed a fine going from $6,090 to $60,900 dollars against the pop music channels Dream TV, Show TV and Kral Pop, networks which broadcasted Shakira and Rihanna's controversial video.