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
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