Madonna has responded to criticism of her graphic new music video God Control, which includes a graphic shooting.
The pop singer unveiled her new video earlier this week, which depicts a mass shooting at a nightclub, in scenes reminiscent of the Pulse massacre in 2016.
However, while some have suggested the clip’s violent content borders on gratuitous, Madonna has insisted that this was her intention.
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.”
Among those who have criticised the God Control video are two survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting, who voiced their opinions on Twitter shortly after its release.
A message at the start of the God Control video warns viewers: “The story you are about to see is very disturbing. It shows graphic scenes of gun violence. But it’s happening everyday. And it has to stop.”
God Control was directed by Jonas Åkerlund, who was previously responsible for the Madonna videos Ray Of Light, Music and Bitch I’m Madonna.
He also directed Madonna’s original American Life music video, which she ended up pulling shortly after its release in 2003, as she didn’t feel the violent content was appropriate.
“It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this time,” she said at the time. “Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video.”