Groban flees set of racy show

Singer Josh Groban left the set of Jenny McCarthy’s new TV talk show earlier this month after discovering that go-go dancers would be a part of the taping. The 31 year-old star, who just released his fifth album, was scheduled to make an appearance on the debut episode of McCarthy’s VH1 show, but walked out just a few minutes before taping began, saying it was too racy for his tastes.

“He did show up, [but] I think the go-go dancers [his team] took a look at and thought they were a little too sexy for their taste,” McCarthy told Access Hollywood Live.

According to the Christian Post, McCarthy brags that her show is modeled after Playboy After Dark, a show made by the pornographic magazine that shares its name. The Huffington Post said Groban decided to back out once he saw the questions McCarthy planned to ask him. McCarthy’s sister, celebrity beauty artist JoJo McCarthy, filled Groban’s guest slot at the last minute.

McCarthy’s ties to Playboy go way back: Before becoming a talk show host and actress, she worked as a model for the magazine. It isn’t clear why she would invite a singer known for his classical aesthetic and traditionally conservative fans to her show.

Groban was raised by Episcopalian parents and also has Jewish roots. He has made no public statement about his faith, but enjoys a sizable Christian audience. So far he hasn’t made any public statement about his decision to walk away from the McCarthy appearance.