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Madonna holds back controversial video due to war
Madonna , perhaps taking a hint after seeing numerous celebrities bashed for voicing their opposition to the war in Iraq and the Bush administration, has decided to shelve the first video from her upcoming album.
In the video--which accompanies the title-track from the soon-to-be-released "American Life"--Madonna is dressed in military-style clothing, as are other cast members. The clip reportedly includes a scene in which Madonna tosses a grenade at a George W. Bush look-alike, who then uses the device to light a cigar.
"I have decided not to release my new video," the artist said in a statement released on Tuesday (4/1). "It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this time. Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video."
Last month, Warner Brothers Records issued a press release that announced the imminent arrival of the album and its now-defunct lead-off video, which the label described at the time as "a panoramic view of our culture and looming war through the view of a female superhero portrayed by Madonna set against a backdrop of current cultural obsessions. It's a penetrating examination of our national psyche."
The move to pull the video follows a recent backlash against the Dixie Chicks , whose music a number of country radio stations have boycotted and whose album sales have lagged in the wake of anti-Bush remarks that singer Natalie Maines made during the group's recent tour stop in London.
Due in stores on April 22, "American Life" is Madonna's follow-up to multi-platinum 2000 set, "Music."