Page "Ed Sullivan" Paragraph 22

In 1963, Bob Dylan was set to appear on the show, but network censors rejected the song he wanted to perform, " Talkin ' John Birch Paranoid Blues ", as potentially libelous to the John Birch Society.

Refusing to perform a different song, Dylan walked off the set at dress rehearsal.

Sullivan, who had approved the song at a previous rehearsal, backed Dylan's decision.

The incident resulted in accusations against the network of engaging in censorship.

This was not the first incident of apparent network censorship on Sullivan's show.

In 1956, Sullivan flew to Europe and was able to film an interview with Ingrid Bergman, Yul Brynner, and Helen Hayes on the set of the film Anastasia.

When he arrived home, Sullivan learned he would not be able to air the Bergman material from it.