Britney Spears’ latest video is causing a firestorm of controversy before it has even been filmed, and its not for the reason viewers might expect.
According to MTV.com, the script for Spears’ next video did not feature scantily clad gyrations but rather what appeared to be the singer succumbing to suicide.
In a video treatment leaked to MTV.com, “Everytime,” to be directed by David LaChappelle, was going to follow Spears and a boyfriend through a run-in with the paparazzi. After a scuffle with photographers trying to check-in to their hotel room, the couple finally makes it inside, but only to get into an argument.
Spears then overdoses on pills, or at least it is made to appear that way.
Through a series of choppy camera shots, viewers would have seen the bathtub overflow and Spears sink her head underwater, with a bottle of pills on the ledge with the cap removed.
But after several Web sites published the video’s plot, controversy ensued. Spears was accused of glorifying suicide and sending out an irresponsible message.
Within three days of the article appearing on MTV.com, Spears had changed her mind and was removing scenes from the video.
A statement on Spear’s official Web site explains that the apparent overdose was meant to be an accident. The statement said “Britney Spears was uncomfortable with these treatments due to the potential for a fictional accidental occurrence to be misinterpreted as a suicide.”
The video is to be directed by David LaChappelle whose surreal photographs and videos are often considered controversial.
The debate rages over whether the original video script was an artistic expression or a dangerous endorsement of suicide.
“In today’s society I don’t think it’s needed,” Christian Reed,a kinesiology freshman said. “I don’t believe its her idea, it was the directors. But if she had any input she should be held accountable.”
Opponents of the video feared Spears’ portrayl of suicide could possibly push some viewers the edge.
Ingrid Rudh, an English junior said she does not see the artistic justification of the video.
“I would think she shouldn’t, because even if it is true to life, which it is, if there was a small possibility someone could get an idea from it, it is not worth it at all,” Rudh said. “I don’t see the good that could come out of it, its not giving anyone hope.”
Others do not think Spears is doing anything wrong in utilizing her artisitc license.
“There are a lot of other shows out there depicting violence,” Lauren Allen, a biological sciences freshman, said. “It depends on who watches it. If you know it’s just TV or a video it is not a problem.”
Alisha Eiland, a communication studies junior said she feels sympathy for Spears.
“I feel sorry for her that is how she wants to express herself,” Eiland said. “But kids shouldn’t be exposed to anything she puts out anyway. It’s an artistic statement, not just controversial.”
Spears will film the video with altered scenes this weekend.