Oh Avril, why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?
The singer released a music video for her single "Hello Kitty" Tuesday, which has received considerable backlash for its depiction of Japanese culture. The video has been removed from Lavigne's YouTube page.
In the video, Lavigne's dons a cupcake-tutu, raps in Japanese, drinks sake and dances alongside four expressionless Japanese females. Several people on Twitter, as well as online critics, have condemned Lavigne for using Japanese culture as a "prop."
want something racist to get through your day? check out avril lavigne's new video https://t.co/U32M0en1Ay what happenened to sk8er boi?
— Matthew Katarincic (@mattkat13) April 23, 2014
Other artists have received similar backlash. In 2010, No Doubt released a controversial video "Looking Hot," which showcased Native American culture in an unflattering light. The band later issued an apology.
Coincidentally, many are comparing Lavigne's use of Japanese back-up dancers to No Doubt's lead singer Gwen Stefani's "harajuku girls," who were a prominent part of her solo albums.
Hey Avril Lavigne, Gwen Stefani called and wants her music video ideas back! And she says to quit being racist.
— Kandyce (@Psycho_Thrills) April 23, 2014
While the video is no longer on YouTube, it remains on Lavigne's website.
Lavigne's reps did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
UPDATE, April 24, 3:30 p.m. Looks like Avril Lavigne is standing by her music video. The singer tweeted Wednesday, denying any claims that the video was made with a racist intent and that she "loves Japanese culture."
RACIST??? LOLOLOL!!! I love Japanese culture and I spend half of my time in Japan. I flew to Tokyo to shoot this video…— Avril Lavigne (@AvrilLavigne) April 24, 2014
…specifically for my Japanese fans, WITH my Japanese label, Japanese choreographers AND a Japanese director IN Japan.— Avril Lavigne (@AvrilLavigne) April 24, 2014
The video, though, has not yet returned to Lavigne's YouTube channel.
[wp_scm_comment]
BONUS: 20 Songs Turning 20 in 2014