Music
Civil rights leaders have launched protests outside Ashanti's record label Universal/Motown in response to her controversial new website.
A promotional site for the R&B singer ran stories about a fake murder spree in connection with her new revenge-themed single 'The Way That I Love You'. Visitors to the site are invited to choose a murder weapon and select a weapon. The single's video portrays Ashanti as a woman who stabs her cheating boyfriend to death.
Najee Ali, head of Project Islamic Hope and one of the protest's organisers, told MTV that Ashanti's site was a "career mistake".
He said: "There are a lot of outraged parents who feel that the type of message and imagery that promotes violence as a tool for solving domestic relation problems is inappropriate.
"Universal should recognise that they have corporate responsibility for promoting their artists and material that they want us to purchase."
Michelle Huff, Ashanti's publicist, released a statement defending the singer: "The website… is not controlled by Ashanti nor is it her creative work… It is important to point out that Ashanti's history of creative expression does not glorify violence at all."
A promotional site for the R&B singer ran stories about a fake murder spree in connection with her new revenge-themed single 'The Way That I Love You'. Visitors to the site are invited to choose a murder weapon and select a weapon. The single's video portrays Ashanti as a woman who stabs her cheating boyfriend to death.
Najee Ali, head of Project Islamic Hope and one of the protest's organisers, told MTV that Ashanti's site was a "career mistake".
He said: "There are a lot of outraged parents who feel that the type of message and imagery that promotes violence as a tool for solving domestic relation problems is inappropriate.
"Universal should recognise that they have corporate responsibility for promoting their artists and material that they want us to purchase."
Michelle Huff, Ashanti's publicist, released a statement defending the singer: "The website… is not controlled by Ashanti nor is it her creative work… It is important to point out that Ashanti's history of creative expression does not glorify violence at all."
Related Stories
Singles Reviews
Nelly Furtado: 'Big Hoops' reviewThe singer's comeback confidently ignores all the latest fads.
Music Interviews
David Guetta: My music isn't all the sameDigital Spy talks to the DJ ahead of his London shows this weekend.
The Sound
Album Reviews
Ladyhawke: 'Anxiety' reviewThe singer's ear for infectious pop remains stronger than ever on her second LP.
