More than 400 X Factor viewers have complained to a broadcasting regulator following the Pussycat Dolls' "inappropriate" and "sexually provocative" reunion performance.
The girl group took to the X Factor: Celebrity stage for the first time in a decade on Saturday night (UK time), performing a medley of hits including 'Don't Cha' and 'Buttons' during the live final.
Yet their reunion wasn't music to everyone's ears.
"Nothing like soft porn to groom the next generation of girls. Disgraceful for a family show," one viewer tweeted following the raunchy performance.
Audiences have slammed Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts and Jessica Sutta for their "half-naked" attire, which consisted of sheer bodysuits, underwear and stockings. Sixth member Melody Thornton refused to return to the group.
Following 419 complaints regarding the ensembles and seductive dance moves, the UK government-approved broadcasting regulator Ofcom is deciding whether to investigate the ITV show, the watchdog confirmed to the Daily Mail.
"We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules but we are yet to decide whether or not to investigate," an Ofcom spokesperson said in a statement.
Lead singer Scherzinger seemingly anticipated the backlash, captioning an Instagram clip of the medley: "Wasn't expecting that... were you!"
X Factor fans predicted the impending controversy on Twitter after the show ended.
"Ofcom are gonna get a hammering about PCD aren't they?" one person tweeted.
"I can see the Ofcom complaints now," wrote another.
"Angry parents calling Ofcom because of what the Pussycat Dolls are wearing before the watershed," one woman captioned a picture of Kim Kardashian crying on the phone.
The Pussycat Dolls are embarking on a reunion tour in 2020 and have released a new single, 'React', which they included in Saturday's medley.
The performance also outraged audiences for another reason, many slamming the reformed group for seemingly lip-syncing.
"Pretty much Nicole feat four backing dancers! Not to mention miming on a singing contest, absolute cringe," someone ranted.
Others praised the Dolls, saying they looked "unreal" in their ensembles.
"I'm all about wearing what you want and embracing your body but... there is literally kids sat down with their families watching, it's not even 9pm yet," one person claimed.
The Pussycat Dolls' reunion tour kicks off in the UK in April, before they arrive in New Zealand in May to headline the So Pop concert series.
