Rihanna hits out at critics of Man Down video

The 23-year-old has denied claims her controversial video sets a bad example

Rihanna - WATCH: Rihanna?s controversial Man Down video - Rihanna new video - Rihanna Man Down video - Marie Claire - Marie Claire UK
Rihanna - WATCH: Rihanna?s controversial Man Down video - Rihanna new video - Rihanna Man Down video - Marie Claire - Marie Claire UK

The 23-year-old has denied claims her controversial video sets a bad example

She’s no stranger to controversy, but pop star Rihanna has come under fire from the Parents Television Council this week – for the depiction of a murder in her video for latest single Man Down.

The video shows the Umbrella singer gunning down a rapist, who is revealed to have attacked her through a series of flashbacks.

Parents fear the video encourages vigilante justice as acceptable behaviour, and have called for the video to be banned. 

The 23-year-old was famously assaulted by her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, and in the past has spoken out about her abusive father.

But the star has refused to apologise for her video, instead insisting sheisn’t a role model. 

Rihanna - WATCH: Rihanna?s controversial Man Down video - Rihanna new video - Rihanna Man Down video - Marie Claire - Marie Claire UK

Rhi tweeted: ‘I'm a 23 year old rockstar with No Kids! What's up with everybody wantin me to be a parent? I'm just a girl, I can only be your/our voice!

‘Cuz we all know how difficult/embarrassing it is to communicate touchy subject matters to anyone especially our parents! And this is why!Cuz we turn the other cheek! U can't hide your kids from society,or they'll never learn how to adapt!This is the Real World'

Rihanna man down crop

The singer also defended the video as her own form of artistic expression, and reiterated that parents should teach their children right from wrong – not pop stars.

‘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 dont turn out like US,' she wrote.

When her loyal fans then began to pour abuse on the Parents Television Council for their comments, Rihanna spoke up once again.

‘Guys please stop making threats #NotCool!!! We love it, they don't...that is all, and the world keeps turning!’

WATCH Rihanna's Man Down for yourselves and let us know what you think...

Is Rihanna's new video TOO controversial? Should it be banned, or are some viewers overreacting? Let us know in the comments box below.

MORE CELEBRITY NEWS

RIHANNA'S STYLE HIGHS AND LOWS

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.