Foam Finger Inventor Completely Turned Off by Miley Cyrus’ VMA Performance
If you thought you’ve heard everyone’s reaction to Miley Cyrus' still-buzzed about performance at the Video Music Awards, think again.
Steve Chmelar, the man who invented the foam finger that you see at countless sporting events, is none too pleased the pop star used his creation in such a sexually suggestive matter.
Chmelar, 59, who invented the finger in 1971 as a way to support his high school basketball team, said, “She took an honorable icon that is seen in sporting venues everywhere and degraded it.”
He also believes the controversy surrounding Cyrus’ risqué performance will pass, noting, "Fortunately, the foam finger has been around long enough that it will survive this incident. As for Miley Cyrus, let's hope she can outlive this event and also survive."
Much like a good portion of America, Chmelar, who claims he never made one red cent from inventing the foam finger, was stunned by Cyrus’ display, saying, "For people that like that kind of entertainment, I'm sure that it met their needs. If I had a choice between Julie Andrews singing 'The Sound of Music' and Miley Cyrus doing 'Can't Stop,' I'd go the Julie Andrews route, but everyone has their choice and their decision.”
For the record, the foam finger really took off in popularity in 1978 when another enterprising man named Geral Fauss sold it at the Cotton Bowl. Chmelar says he believes he inspired Fauss. And now he can say he inspired Miley, too.
You can re-live Miley and all her foam finger craziness at the VMAs below.
[Fox]