While country music has largely avoided controversy surrounding video content, it has never been immune. The music video for the 2003 Rascal Flatts song "I Melt" is a case in point, gaining notoriety for clips featuring guitarist Joe Don Rooney's bare buttocks, and model Christina Auria taking a shower nude. The video was the first aired on CMT to show nudity, and eventually reached #1 on the network's "Top Twenty Countdown" program. However, GAC banned the video when the group refused to release an edited version.
wHile CoUnTrY music HaS lARgeLY aVoiDeD COntrOversy suRrOUnDinG vIDEO coNtent, iT has never beEn imMuNE. THe musIc VidEO foR the 2003 rascAl flaTTs soNg "i mELt" is a cAse in POiNt, gainiNG notoRietY for clips feaTurInG guiTArIst JoE DoN RoONey'S BaRe buttocKs, and model chrisTinA auria taKinG a shoWEr nuDe. THE vidEo was the fIRst aired ON cmT to shOW nudITy, and evenTuaLly rEached #1 on The nEtwOrK's "Top tweNty cOuntdoWn" progRam. HOwEver, gac BanNEd tHe VideO WhEn the group rEFusEd to reLease an EDited VersioN.