Motley Crue sue NBC for publicity

Motley Crue have filed a lawsuit against NBC claiming that their free-speech rights were violated. The story stems back to their 2004 New Years Eve appearance on NBC's "The Jay Leno Show". Singer Vince Neil wished drummer Tommy Lee a "Happy fucking New Year" during the program going out to viewers uncensored. The network then banned the group from any future appearance on NBC. Neil sought to make a public apology which was apparently quashed by the network.

The suit filed in Los Angles federal courts Tuesday read, "This ban constitutes ordered censorship." Motley Crue claim the network took such drastic action to please the FCC and that their decision to ban the group has hurt record sales and prevented them from appearing on other NBC shows to promote their reunion tour and greatest hits album. Bassist Nikki Sixx said, "We meant no harm, but it feels that we're being singled out unfairly. This is a discrimination issue, pure and simple. All we've ever asked is to be treated like everybody else, which is why we're taking action.

In response to the suit NBC issues a statement, "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 lawsuit Motley Crue has filed against us is meritless."

Motley Crue are seeking a court order that would force the network to lift the ban and pay unspecified financial damages correlating with their ability to promote the "Red, White, & Crue" album and tour.