Early this week we got to see photos from the UK set of Britney Spears‘s new music video for her new single Criminal. As you may recall, those photos featured Britney and her loverman Jason Trawick engaged in “criminal behavior” as they ran around town brandishing guns. Today we learn that some folks in the town of Stoke Newington are upset that Britney appears to be “promoting gun violence” in an area affected by the recent London riots. HMMM.
Britney Spears has been asked to apologize for “promoting gun violence” in her new music video. The singer recently filmed the clip for her latest single ‘Criminal’ in Stoke Newington, London. The video sees Spears and her boyfriend Jason Trawick robbing a shop and holding staff at gunpoint. However, local politicians have expressed their anger about the promo after the area was badly affected during the recent UK riots. Hackney Council told London Tonight: “In this case we did not agree that a replica gun could be used at Stoke Newington Town Hall and we are disappointed… We will be raising this matter with the production company.” Councillor Ian Rathbone added: “I think she should apologize and make a sizeable donation to a Hackney charity that deals with young people… for the rudeness and damage she’s done to this community.” Asked if she thought the council was overreacting, Hackney MP Diane Abbott insisted: “It is only a music video but it’s images like this, with popstars glamorising gangs, which means that some young people… get drawn in. Britney should really know better.” Spears, who is also promoting her latest album Femme Fatale in London before kicking off her UK tour dates, recently said she was “having a blast” in the city, adding: “It’s like my second home.”
Ouch! On one hand, I can see where the politicians are coming from … they look good in the press by speaking out against “gun violence” … and there is no easier target than a simple music video. On the other hand, this might be much ado about nothing. I suppose matters like this can be viewed in different ways by different people. I don’t think that I would see images like this as a way of promoting “gun violence” even if there were riots in my area … but who knows? What do ya’ll think? Is this a huge faus pax on Britney‘s part or are the politicians just overreacting?
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I think this is the most ridiculous thing ever and they’re acting like a bunch of bitches looking for someone to blame. Yes lets focus on the toy gun in the music video instead of addressing the real issue on why the riots really took place.
Agreed. I also can’t get past the “sizable donation” bit either. Sounds like they just want an easy payday.
Bang, bang, bang — get that promo, Brit! Love that she is back in the news for one of her videos rather than for some lame-ass rumors one of the tabloids creates.
And the politicians should apologize to her for being such d-bags.
That’s stupid! How many gangster movies do they make there and there gonna put the blame on poor Brit?! That’s a big AZZIF!!
i mean i guess i can understand it…but you could say any movie or music video promotes gun violence…and some of those movies filmed over there are hell of a lot worse then her video will ever be.
I also understand where they’re coming from. From my point of view, it’s not a big deal. But it is my understanding that Europeans tend to be more sensitive on issues regarding portraying violence in the media (the way Americans can maybe be more sensitive about things that are sexually explicit being out for anyone to see.) Also, I’m not living in an area that was just plagued by riots.
I’m not saying the politicians aren’t out for themselves, but I’m also not going to dismiss the sentiment of concern as being pure BS. I don’t live there so I can’t know for sure how the people feel about it. Not everyone reacts in the same way I would.
And, worse case is that she apologizes and donates some money to a charity? I don’t see how anyone really loses with that. It wouldn’t hurt her to do and she gets good press, the politicians get their moment in the sun, and some kids get help through a better funded charity org.
OMG THEY TOTALLY NEED TO GET OVER IT!! Pommies just like to winge about everything. What do they want to winge about next, an action movie with guns in it ? >:-\
I live in London and I still think this is just a big fuss over nothing. Politicians should be glad that Britney’s bringing a bit of glamour and excitement to the area by filming her music video there. If you ask me, they’re just doing this because they know that by using Britney’s name, they’ll get their faces in the media.
I highly doubt that Britney’s video will glamourise gun violence in anyone’s eyes. It’s Britney Spears for goodness sake, you know the video’s going to be tongue in cheek.
Classic case of finding an easy target. While I don’t deny that the “Criminal” video may be untimely and cause some hurt to those affected, this is just blowing things out of proportion. I remember when Marilyn Manson was blamed for Columbine.
And a donation? Really, how more tacky can one get?
poor britney :( she didnt do anything bad :( its just a music video people, even rihanna man down video is much worst she killed a black man!
all the Britney fans are gonna terrorise the world now Eeew I am so scared! or maybe the gangsters are gonna be influenced by Britney Videos! Really???????
This is so stupid. I hope she DOESN’T pay anyone anything. It’s just more people looking for handout. Get over it, London!
These people are cold and very stupid!!! GOD BLESS BRITNEY!!!
Everyone loves Britney …..Everyone……. she is just so lovely, simple!!!! How could you not love her, she is such a sweet person and so unpretentious, that is the secret …is it??? dunno but I’m hooked.