10 Most Controversial Music Videos Of All Time
2. Kanye West - Monster (2011)
When a music videos opens with the disclaimer, “the following content is in no way to be interpreted as misogynistic or negative towards any groups of people. It is an art piece and it shall be taken as such,” you know you’re in for an interesting ride.
The third single from Kanye West’s 5th album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, the music video for Monster takes great inspiration from the world of horror cinema. References to the likes of American Psycho, Saw and Michael Jackson’s Thriller abound. The Hands Resist Him, Bill Stoneham’s purportedly haunted painting from 1972 is referenced also when West attempts to hold the door closed against monsters trying to enter. The painting shows a female doll and a young boy standing before a door against which multiple hands are pressed.
The music video garnered controversy for its abundance of nude, seemingly dead, occasionally decapitated models, zombies, hanging cadavers and generally bloody aesthetic. In addition to its grisly content, the music video garnered criticism for its perceived misogyny. Media Watch activist Ann Simonton petitioned for the video to be banned, claiming it glorified violence against women. The video was taken off YouTube shortly thereafter thanks to an abundance of similarly negative reactions.