Video: 'THE DICK CAVETT SHOW John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Shirley MacLaine'

(Wednesday, May 3, 1972, evening EDT) — Ex-Beatle John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, taped an appearance today (for airing on May 11, 1972 on ABC-TV) in New York on The Dick Cavett Show, claiming that he is being followed and that his telephone is being tapped by the FBI.

Lennon is currently embroiled in a battle with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, which has denied permission for Lennon and Ono to remain in the United States because Lennon was convicted of possession of marijuana in England in 1968. The Lennons believe the deportation efforts are politically motivated due to their left-leaning causes.

The Lennons, along with Elephant’s Memory, performed “Woman Is The Nigger Of The World” and “We’re All Water” from their next studio album, Some Time in New York City, set for release in June.

Before the May 11, 1972, broadcast, the bosses at ABC had decided to cut the performance of “Woman Is The Nigger…” completely, fearing that it might upset some viewers. Cavett objected to the cut and insisted that the song remain and, prior to the telecast, inserted a brief videotape of him explaining why the song must be shown.