Madonna has defended a graphic music video depicting a nightclub massacre, saying people need to understand “this is what happens when people shoot”.
The pop superstar’s song God Control calls for people to “wake up” about the reality of gun violence in the US.
The scenes in the music video recall the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, where 49 people were killed.
Pulse survivor Patience Carter said she was “truly disturbed” by the video.
The eight-minute video shows actors playing revellers being shot and lying lifeless and covered in blood in a fictional nightclub called The Globe.
“I couldn’t even watch after the first 45 secs @Madonna,” Carter wrote on Twitter.
Thank you @Madonna for supporting @1Pulse4America. You are a much welcome voice in the battle for #GunViolencePrevention and #GunControl. https://t.co/3RVyfsCH3V
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 26, 2019
“There are so many creative avenues that could’ve been taken to bring awareness to gun control. The victims of these mass shootings should always be taken into consideration. I applaud the attempt, but I am truly disturbed.”
Another survivor, Brandon Wolf, wrote: “Appreciate the message, but please remember that there are people behind the prop you’re using.”
The singer told CNN her response to those who had a problem with the graphic violence in the video was that “this is what happens when people shoot”.
She told People: “Seeing the reality, and the brutality of things makes you wake up. This is really happening. This is what it looks like. Does it make you feel bad? Good, ’cause then maybe you will do something about it.”
She also said gun violence “is the biggest problem in America right now”, adding: “I cannot take it any more.”
Actor George Takei, who set up the anti-gun group 1Pulse4America after the Orlando tragedy, was among those to praise the singer.
