Yesterday, Sia's follow-up to her widely celebrated video for "Chandelier" was met with great fanfare — immediately followed by a lot of headscratching.
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The video for "Elastic Heart" features the return of 12-year-old "Chandelier" and Dance Moms star Maddie Ziegler, but oddly matches her with 28-year-old, post-fame acting weirdo Shia Labeouf — who wears only nude underwear and a grisly beard.
Many viewers said the clip's intensely choreographed primal face-off between Ziegler and LeBeouf, who appear to be equals and wear little clothing, made them uncomfortable. Others theorized that LaBeouf was meant to depict Ziegler's father, noting the lack of any explicit references to sexuality in the video. But Sia herself has rejected this reading, saying both characters are meant to reflect different aspects of the same person.
Late last night, Sia responded to critics of the clip, admitting that she anticipated controversy but defending her casting choices.
I anticipated some 'pedophelia!!!' Cries for this video. All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play
sia@SiaThese two warring 'sia' self states.
Ultimately, she apologized to those who were offended by the imagery or "triggered" by its alleged depiction of pedophilia.
I apologize to those who feel triggered by #ElasticHeart My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody. 🙏
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What do you think? Is the "Elastic Heart" video creepy or just misunderstood?
Totally creepy. What was she even thinking? Put your pants on, Shia!It's not creepy, it's just weird and conceptual. People are making a big deal out of nothing.
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vote votesTotally creepy. What was she even thinking? Put your pants on, Shia!
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vote votesIt's not creepy, it's just weird and conceptual. People are making a big deal out of nothing.
