WATCH: Rihanna Kills Her Abuser in Controversial New Video
Rihanna's latest music video, "Man Down", is already causing controversy. In the startling video, Rihanna graphically shoots and kills an unarmed man in the middle of a crowded railway station
– her form of retaliation for a sexual assault.The Parents Television Council, the Enough is Enough campaign, and entertainment think tank Industry Ears have already called on Black Entertainment TV (BET), which premiered the video Tuesday night, and its parent company Viacom, to stop airing the video.
Critics suggest that the video encourages young women to turn to violence.
"Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability," said Melissa Henson of the Parents Television Council in a news release.
The music video's theme is made even more poignant, given that Rihanna was herself the victim of a physical attack by singer Chris Brown shortly before the night of the 2009 Grammy Awards.
However, Rihanna seems to be taking the criticism in stride, focusing on positive reaction from her fans. She took to Twitter to address the video herself, writing, "Thank you for the amazing response on Man Down video I love you guys, and I love that u GOT IT!!! Young girls/women all over the world... we are a lot of things! We're strong innocent fun flirtatious vulnerable, and sometimes