Rihanna has released a controversial new music video for her hit single Man Down. The Parent Television Council is up in arms over what they characterize as “irresponsible entertainment.”
PTC director of communications, Melissa Henson released a statement: “Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that sends a message to female victims that it is acceptable to retaliate with violence.”
Watchdog group Industry Ears has also taken a stand against the storyline that features Rihanna shooting a man while he makes his way through a busy train station. Then the video travels back in time to the previous day, with scenes leading up to a sexual assault. It ends with Rihanna racing home to grab a gun hidden in a dresser drawer.
IE co-founder Paul Porter said: “If Chris Brown shot a woman in his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop. Rihanna should not get a pass and BET should know better. The video is far from broadcast worthy.”
The Barbadian songstress had a few things to say about the criticism via her Twitter page: “I’m a 23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS! What’s up with everyone wantin me to be a parent? I’m just a girl, I can only be your/our voice.”
She continued her ‘tweet’ session with: “The music industry isn’t exactly Parents R Us! We have the freedom to make art, LET US! Its your job to make sure they don’t turn out like US.”
So is Rihanna on the right track with her reaction to the recent criticism? Check out the video below and let us know what you think: