Madonna releases “controversial” 20 year old music video
Pop veteran Madonna has finally released the music video for her hit song American Life, 20 years after it was filmed.
The video, which is arguably her most controversial yet, was originally set to come out in 2003, but was scrapped at the last minute due to overwhelming negative press.
While the song itself was a wry look at Madonna’s own experiences of fame and success, the original video was instead a graphic commentary on the then-imminent American invasion of Iraq.
Shot just weeks before the war began, the video shows Madonna and her posse of backup dancers all wearing army garb, preparing for a fashion show that sees soldiers walk the catwalk alongside victims of war.
The “fashion” show is observed by disinterested fashion experts, who watch on with impassive faces as violence breaks out on the catwalk, with blood and guts spilling everywhere.
Had it have been released at the time of growing tensions between the US and Iraq, the video would’ve been heavily censored, or even banned, due to the numerous graphic depictions of violence, with dismembered and disembowelled victims laying on the runway.
In response to the outrage, Madonna said the video would never see the light of day.
“I have decided not to release my new video. It was filmed before the war started and I do not believe it is appropriate to air it at this 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,” she said in 2003.
Now, two decades later, Madonna’s finally officially released the original music video on her official YouTube channel to mark the album’s 20th anniversary.
You can watch the video here, but be warned that viewer discretion is advised.
Despite the backlash that occurred when the video was first filmed, many fans are glad the unseen footage has finally been released.
The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of views in less than a week, and multiple comments praising the pop veteran for her bold statement.
One commenter wrote, “This video is not only iconic but also a powerful and still relevant message to this day. I'm glad it finally got an official release after all these years!”
Image credits: Getty Images