Sia apologises for Shia LaBeouf 'Elastic Heart' video
The video for the single Elastic Heart has faced criticism because it shows the semi-naked Fury actor, 28, and youngster Maddie Ziegler, wearing a skin-coloured leotard, tussling during an interpretive-dance cage match.
Sia, whose full name is Sia Furler, tweeted: "I apologize to those who feel triggered by #ElasticHeart My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody.
"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 these two warring 'sia' self states."
The Australian singer-songwriter, who revealed that the pair play different versions of herself, said she will unveil a "making of" video next week. Child dancer and actress Maddie, who was on reality series Dance Moms, previously appeared in the singer's own Grammy-nominated Chandelier clip.
Some viewers have complained about the footage, with one user named Jason Moore saying: " Sia has managed to make Shia LaBeouf look like a pedo in the elastic heart video. Not cool."
One upset fan said the video "smacks of child molestation #pervert #unacceptable #childabuse...Explain please!", while another wrote: "Sia's 'Elastic Heart' video is disgusting."
But other fans stood up for Sia, with one writing: " This video seems beautiful and not remotely sexual to me."
Another tweeted: " Some idiots accusing Sia's elastic heart video, starring Shia and Maddie, of pedophilia; the video is nothing short of a masterpiece."
The controversy surrounding Sia's "Elastic Heart" video stemmed from its portrayal of Shia LaBeouf and Maddie Ziegler in a cage-like setting, clad in a skin-colored leotard, engaging in an interpretive dance that some viewers interpreted as inappropriate. Sia, responding to criticism on Twitter, expressed regret to those who felt triggered, clarifying that she intended to create emotional content rather than cause distress.
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