Erykah Badu's Controversial Video

[SultanOfSwing]

Wow, another celebrity attention whore strips infront of the crowd in Dallas where JKF got shot. The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.


http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/ery ... d=10241502

Sex and violence: In pop culture, it's the one-two punch that knocks the wind out of just about everyone. Currently basking in its power is Erykah Badu.

The singer is shown stripping where President Kennedy was assassinated.

More PhotosThe soul singer scored a mother lode of attention (and free publicity) this week with her new video "Window Seat," in which she strips nude and simulates getting shot in the head.

A single camera follows Badu for nearly five minutes as she walks through the streets of downtown Dallas, systematically stripping off her overcoat, sweatshirt, pants, sheer T-shirt, underwear and bra before falling to the ground as an unseen assassin fires at her. The video ends with Badu, a mother of three, bleeding blue on Elm Street, steps away from where President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

It's a shocking concept, though not an unprecedented one. The video for "Window Seat" was inspired by indie punk group Matt and Kim's "Lessons Learned" video, in which the duo strip down in New York's Times Square.

Related
WATCH: Is Lady Gaga Out of Gas?Decoding Lady Gaga's 'Telephone' VideoWATCH: Lady Gaga Becomes a Symbol of PeaceBut Badu pushed the envelope with her bare bones, no-holds-barred approach to filming: "guerrilla style, no crew, 1 take, no closed set, no warning, 2 min., downtown dallas, then ran like hell," she tweeted after the March 17 shoot.

As her clothes came off, criticism followed. "they were yelling, THIS IS A PUBLIC PLACE: YOU OUGHTA BE ASHAMED: PUT YOUR CLOTHES ON: DAMN GIRL! etc...," Badu tweeted.

Of course, nudity in music videos is nothing new: Madonna, Alanis Morissette and Britney Spears have bared all in the name of song.

Arguably, it's the gunshot combined with her unclothed body that makes Badu's video truly provocative, just like it's the mass murder combined with the barely-there outfits that make Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video sensational.

[Don]

No wonder black men beat their women.

[steveo777]

Frankly, I had no idea who she was until this controversy.
I see she's another of society's attention whore hip hop pos'

[Ehwmatt]

I vaguely remember her name from being played on MTV way back in at least the early 00s... this is just a clear attempt to get relevant again. Nice juicy black ass, I'll give her that.

[steveo777]

I vaguely remember her name from being played on MTV way back in at least the early 00s... this is just a clear attempt to get relevant again. Nice juicy black ass, I'll give her that.

Carefull.....once you go black you can't come back....or you don't get your credit back.

[Ehwmatt]

I vaguely remember her name from being played on MTV way back in at least the early 00s... this is just a clear attempt to get relevant again. Nice juicy black ass, I'll give her that.

Carefull.....once you go black you can't come back....or you don't get your credit back.

A girl I used to bang in college had a black girl's ass, it can definitely be fun.

[Don]

Black oak doesn't wash off that easy

[steveo777]

I vaguely remember her name from being played on MTV way back in at least the early 00s... this is just a clear attempt to get relevant again. Nice juicy black ass, I'll give her that.

Carefull.....once you go black you can't come back....or you don't get your credit back.

A girl I used to bang in college had a black girl's ass, it can definitely be fun.

Did she have a black girl's face and lips too? What about that brillo pad landing strip.....did that bother you at all?

[Ehwmatt]

I vaguely remember her name from being played on MTV way back in at least the early 00s... this is just a clear attempt to get relevant again. Nice juicy black ass, I'll give her that.

Carefull.....once you go black you can't come back....or you don't get your credit back.

A girl I used to bang in college had a black girl's ass, it can definitely be fun.

Did she have a black girl's face and lips too? What about that brillo pad landing strip.....did that bother you at all?

Nah, olive skinned nice lookin eastern european type though. Bitch was a lot of fun

[Michigan Girl]

No wonder black men beat their women.

I am LMAO!!!

[Sarah]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

[nikki]

Most performers who rely on shock value to make what they do entertaining usually have to. Just sayin'.

[hoagiepete]

That's what is so fucked up...she is getting the attention she wanted. All over tv. Until this almost no one knew who she was. I still don't and don't care.

If she would have made the video on a closed shoot, no one would have cared...or probably watched the video when it came out.

Not a stupid move, but another example of the "it's all about me" mentality people have these days. She obviously didn't give a shit about the families in the area with kids. Just about her.

CBS had Alice Cooper on talking about this morning. Not once did anyone make the point that people bought tickets to see Cooper's "shocking" show and the fact this stunt was forced on anyone that happened to be in the area. Complete apples and oranges. Whatever, its CBS. Do they own the label she is on?

Her 15 minutes will soon end and will probably end up broke, smoking crack and stripping for a buck somewhere much darker and dingier.

[SultanOfSwing]

Here's a complete shot of her video. She got a nice juicy booty though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCaCIstoOsU

[Jana]

I vaguely remember her name from being played on MTV way back in at least the early 00s... this is just a clear attempt to get relevant again. Nice juicy black ass, I'll give her that.

Carefull.....once you go black you can't come back....or you don't get your credit back.

A girl I used to bang in college had a black girl's ass, it can definitely be fun.

Did she have a black girl's face and lips too? What about that brillo pad landing strip.....did that bother you at all?

i wish mbpl or annpea would just come on here and slap you til you're senseless -- oh, wait, you're already senseless.

[SultanOfSwing]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

Who? Like them?

[Behshad]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

Who? Like them?

Damage me damnit,, Damage me !!

[Jana]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

touche. The slutty reality teen shows are really role models for these kids to watch.

[lights1961]

I love it that she says she was making a artistic statement... meaning people will actually know who Iam now...

[Lula]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

good one sarah, and so very true!

i like erykah badu. i have some of her stuff from many moons ago. looks like she took some time to be a momma and is resurfacing, good for her.

[Sarah]

Until this almost no one knew who she was. I still don't and don't care.

Just because you don't pay attention to R&B doesn't mean "almost no one" knows who she is. She's had three Top 40 hits since her debut, 3 platinum albums, and has won like four Grammys. She's definitely not an unknown.

[SultanOfSwing]

I love it that she says she was making a artistic statement... meaning people will actually know who Iam now...

This is not artistic statement, this is in fact an indecent exposure or public lewdness which is punishable by law.

According to U.S. Law:

"In the United States of America indecent exposure is defined by state law as exposure of the genitals and (in some places) the female breast in a public place, although the latter action is rarely prosecuted. Some states, if they do prosecute flashers, may require evidence of intent to offend other persons. Public place is any place where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by others.

The offense of indecent exposure, when confirmed as such, is variously titled "indecent exposure", "sexual misconduct", "public lewdness", or "public indecency". It is a criminal offense in all fifty states and is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment, and in some states a conviction results in having to register as a sex offender.

Indecent exposure is also defined as a crime by the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice Sec. 552. regarding rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct".

[Jubilee]

Until this almost no one knew who she was. I still don't and don't care.

Just because you don't pay attention to R&B doesn't mean "almost no one" knows who she is. She's had three Top 40 hits since her debut, 3 platinum albums, and has won like four Grammys. She's definitely not an unknown.

+1

Exactly. People (outside the cloistered world of melodic rock) already know who she is - that's why it's newsworthy. If nobody knew who she was, she would have just been another naked lady walking around Dallas.

My personal favorite: "Next Lifetime"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP9hOSKrqhE

[steveo777]

I vaguely remember her name from being played on MTV way back in at least the early 00s... this is just a clear attempt to get relevant again. Nice juicy black ass, I'll give her that.

Carefull.....once you go black you can't come back....or you don't get your credit back.

A girl I used to bang in college had a black girl's ass, it can definitely be fun.

Did she have a black girl's face and lips too? What about that brillo pad landing strip.....did that bother you at all?

i wish mbpl or annpea would just come on here and slap you til you're senseless -- oh, wait, you're already senseless.

Relax. I like them. Outlandish actions beget outlandish criticism. Sorry if my joking didn't meet with your approval.

[Jubilee]

i wish mbpl or annpea would just come on here and slap you til you're senseless -- oh, wait, you're already senseless.

Relax. I like them. Outlandish actions beget outlandish criticism. Sorry if my joking didn't meet with your approval.

Yeah, believe me, Jubilee was none too amused either...

[Everett]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

Who? Like them?

Could you post the one with christina too?

[SultanOfSwing]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

Who? Like them?

Could you post the one with christina too?

Your wish is my command. Poof...

[jrnyman28]

I love it that she says she was making a artistic statement... meaning people will actually know who Iam now...

This is not artistic statement, this is in fact an indecent exposure or public lewdness which is punishable by law.

According to U.S. Law:

"In the United States of America indecent exposure is defined by state law as exposure of the genitals and (in some places) the female breast in a public place, although the latter action is rarely prosecuted. Some states, if they do prosecute flashers, may require evidence of intent to offend other persons. Public place is any place where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by others.

The offense of indecent exposure, when confirmed as such, is variously titled "indecent exposure", "sexual misconduct", "public lewdness", or "public indecency". It is a criminal offense in all fifty states and is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment, and in some states a conviction results in having to register as a sex offender.

Indecent exposure is also defined as a crime by the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice Sec. 552. regarding rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct".

Well, she has said she was hoping to get arrested.

There is more to the imagery than just the nudity. I would classify this as an artistic statement.

She is not a nobody and has been around for years. Hopefully the controversy of the video will help spread her message...that is what I am sure she is concerned about.

Art is meant to challenge. It would seem the more offensive the "art" the more it does it's job. Art has always been about getting people to talk about the subject, good or bad.

Why is there still such an outrage over nudity?

Personally, the part I find maybe a little bit bothersome is the implication of someone being shot in Dealy Plaza. It is considered asomewhat sacred place. But the history of the site does add to the intensity.

People need to lighten up.

And if it really bothers people, the best thing to do is shut-up about it and let if quickly fade away...

[Everett]

The worst part is even kids are present and watches her strips.

oh noes, they saw boobs and pubic hair in a non-sexual setting? I'm pretty sure kids would get more damage from clothed women acting slutty on TV or all the violence they see...

Who? Like them?

Could you post the one with christina too?

Your wish is my command. Poof...

Domo Arigato

[SultanOfSwing]

I love it that she says she was making a artistic statement... meaning people will actually know who Iam now...

This is not artistic statement, this is in fact an indecent exposure or public lewdness which is punishable by law.

According to U.S. Law:

"In the United States of America indecent exposure is defined by state law as exposure of the genitals and (in some places) the female breast in a public place, although the latter action is rarely prosecuted. Some states, if they do prosecute flashers, may require evidence of intent to offend other persons. Public place is any place where the conduct may reasonably be expected to be viewed by others.

The offense of indecent exposure, when confirmed as such, is variously titled "indecent exposure", "sexual misconduct", "public lewdness", or "public indecency". It is a criminal offense in all fifty states and is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment, and in some states a conviction results in having to register as a sex offender.

Indecent exposure is also defined as a crime by the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice Sec. 552. regarding rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct".

Well, she has said she was hoping to get arrested.

There is more to the imagery than just the nudity. I would classify this as an artistic statement.

She is not a nobody and has been around for years. Hopefully the controversy of the video will help spread her message...that is what I am sure she is concerned about.

Art is meant to challenge. It would seem the more offensive the "art" the more it does it's job. Art has always been about getting people to talk about the subject, good or bad.

Why is there still such an outrage over nudity?

Personally, the part I find maybe a little bit bothersome is the implication of someone being shot in Dealy Plaza. It is considered asomewhat sacred place. But the history of the site does add to the intensity.

People need to lighten up.

And if it really bothers people, the best thing to do is shut-up about it and let if quickly fade away...

I don't have any problem if hot chick strips in front of me. And hell it won't bother me at all and she can strip in front of me anytime, but if I'm with my kids, that's a different story and you're crossing the line here. The problem here is if she get away whith this kind of indecency, other celebrities or common people will follow and will do the same thing. Just sayin.