![Marlee Matlin Expresses Disappointment Over Exclusion of ASL Performers in Super Bowl Broadcast – TVLine 2 marlee matlin super bowl](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/marlee-matlin-super-bowl.jpg?w=1170)
Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin has criticized CBS for not providing airtime to American Sign Language (ASL) performers during their Super Bowl pregame show.
Expressing her dismay on Twitter, Matlin tweeted, “I am absolutely SHOCKED at @CBS for introducing the Deaf performers at today’s pregame #SuperBowl and then not showing even one second (or more) of their performance… as has been tradition for the last 30 years. WHY!?” Matlin lamented about the situation in a recent post.
CODA star Daniel Durant was selected to sign the national anthem in ASL, with Anjel Piñero and Shaheem Sanchez being responsible for signing “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” respectively. Although all three were introduced to the audience, none of their performances were broadcast during the singing of the songs.
While CBS Sports did provide a livestream of the ASL performances on their website, as indicated by a link Matlin shared before the game, it was not a permanent fixture and the link is now inactive.
Requests for comments from CBS by TVLine did not receive an immediate response.
Super Bowl 58’s pregame show included Andra Day singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by Post Malone with “America the Beautiful,” and Reba McEntire performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” TVLine’s readers graded Day with a “C,” Malone with a “B-,” and McEntire with an “A-.”
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FAQ Section
Who is Marlee Matlin?
Marlee Matlin is an American actress, author, and activist who made history as the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.
What was the issue that Marlee Matlin addressed regarding the Super Bowl pregame show?
Marlee Matlin criticized CBS for introducing ASL performers but not showing their performances during the live broadcast of the Super Bowl pregame show.
Which ASL performers were involved in the Super Bowl pregame show?
Daniel Durant, Anjel Piñero, and Shaheem Sanchez were the ASL performers for the national anthem, “America the Beautiful,” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” respectively.
Did CBS provide an alternative way to watch the ASL performances?
Yes, CBS Sports made a livestream of the ASL performances available on their website, which Marlee Matlin had shared a link to prior to the game.
Has CBS responded to the criticism?
As of the information available at the time of reporting, CBS had not yet responded to requests for comment.
Conclusion
The omission of ASL performances from the CBS live broadcast of the Super Bowl has not gone unnoticed. Marlee Matlin’s vocal response highlights the importance of inclusivity and representation in major televised events. As advocates and audiences call for greater visibility for the deaf community, the response from CBS is yet to be seen. The incident underscores the ongoing need for media outlets to consider the diverse needs of their audiences when planning large-scale broadcasts.