"The broadcasting of John Lennon's shows espousing controversial political opinions set off a conflict with the FBI"
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In early 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono made headlines with their appearance on the popular daytime television show, The Mike Douglas Show. The week's programming, which aired from the 14th onwards, aimed to present counter-arguments against the government line on various social and political themes.
The shows were taped between January 31st and February 4th, and featured a diverse range of guests. These included activist Jerry Rubin, Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale, author Runa Uviller, comedian George Carlin, soul legend Stevie Wonder, Asian-American folk group Yellow Pearl, and psychedelic soul innovators The Chamber Brothers. Even Chuck Berry, one of Lennon's foundational heroes, performed during the week.
The week's shows reached upwards of 40 million viewers, many of whom lived in the heartlands of the US. Lennon and Ono's aim was to bring their ideas to a broader audience, bypassing the conservatively-angled press's editorialising.
However, their appearance was seen as a threat by the Nixon administration. The FBI, under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover, increased their surveillance of Lennon following his appearance on the show. Informants were deployed to gather evidence against him, and his phone calls were bugged. The FBI's fears were compounded by the looming threat of a politically-charged concert tour that Lennon was planning.
The most memorable performance of the week was John, Yoko, and Chuck Berry performing together, with Lennon's backing band Elephant's Memory, on rock 'n' roll songs Johnny B Goode and Memphis, Tennessee. During Bobby Seale's appearance, he was able to lucidly expound on his ideals without any negatively-hued framing.
The FBI labeled Lennon as a "security matter, new left" and Jerry Rubin, a guest on the show, as an "extremist." The week's shows sparked a wave of controversy, with some viewers praising Lennon and Ono for their activism, while others criticised them for their outspokenness.
Despite the FBI's efforts, Lennon's deportation ploy ultimately failed. He obtained his Green Card in 1976. The extent of the FBI's surveillance and deportation efforts were not revealed until documents were released in 2006.
Lennon and Ono's appearance on The Mike Douglas Show in 1972 marked a significant moment in their careers, as they used the platform to voice their opinions on feminism, race, the right to protest, and government overreach. Their bold stance and unapologetic approach resonated with many, and continues to be a symbol of activism and free speech.
