David Bowie has incurred the wrath of officials at America’s Catholic League over his religious-themed new video.
The Ziggy Stardust legend’s promo for new single The Next Day was temporarily removed from YouTube due to its graphic content, which includes self-flagellating monks, topless nuns and gruesome images of stigmata. Bowie appears in the video dressed in Christ-like robes, while Gary Oldman plays a beer-swilling priest and Marion Cotillard is a hooker who transforms into a saint.
The video has riled Catholic League president Bill Donohue, who brands the clip a “mess.” A statement on the organization’s website reads, “The switch-hitting, bisexual, senior citizen from London has resurfaced, this time playing a Jesus-like character who hangs out in a nightclub dump frequented by priests, cardinals and half-naked women.
“The video is strewn with characteristic excess: one priest bashes a homeless man, while others are busy hitting on women; self-flagellation is depicted; a dancing gal with bleeding hands makes a stigmata statement; and a customer is served eyeballs on a plate… In short, the video reflects the artist–it is a mess. Bowie is nothing if not confused about religion… Not sure what he believes in today… but it’s a sure bet he can’t stop thinking about the Cadillac of all religions, namely Roman Catholicism. There is hope for him yet.”
WENN 2013
See an error in this article?
To contact us or to submit an article