Rihanna has drawn criticism from the Parents Television Council for portraying a shooting in the video for 'Man Down'.
Earlier today, the 'California King Bed' singer
premiered the video for her next single 'Man Down'.In the promo, directed by Anthony Mandler, Rihanna is pictured shooting an apparent rapist at a train station, before the events of earlier in the day are played out.
Commenting on the release, the PTC slammed the "cold, calculated execution of murder" being depicted by the Bajan popstar.
In a statement, Melissa Henson, director of communications and public education for the PTC, said: "Rihanna's personal story and status as a celebrity superstar provided a golden opportunity for the singer to send an important message to female victims of rape and domestic 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."
Paul Porter, co-founder of media justice think tank Industry Ears, added: "If Chris Brown shot a woman in his new video and BET premiered it, the world would stop. Rihanna should not get a pass."
The PTC also criticised Rihanna's tweet which said that the video included "a very strong underlying message 4 girls like me (sic)".
Rihanna recently admitted that her 2009 domestic assault at the hands of Chris Brown had a "subliminal effect" on how she behaved.