No Doubt Apologizes to Native American Community for Video
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ABC/Ida Mae Astute(LOS ANGELES) — No Doubt has pulled its latest music video from the Internet after receiving complaints that it was insensitive towards Native Americans.
In the clip for “Looking Hot,” which was released and then yanked on Friday, singer Gwen Stefani is dressed in traditional Native American attire as part of a Wild West-type story. Bassist Tony Kanal plays a tribe chief, while guitarist Tom Dumont and drummer Adrian Young play cowboys who capture Stefani’s character. The video features other Native American imagery, like teepees.
The video provoked a storm of criticism on YouTube before it was removed, and in a statement posted Saturday on No Doubt’s website, the band apologized.
“As a multi-racial band our foundation is built upon both diversity and consideration for other cultures. Our intention with our new video was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history. Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people,” a statement said on the band’s website.
They concluded, “We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video. Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are.”
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