Photo: WENN
No Doubt have issued an apology to fans offended by their new video 'Looking Hot' after claims on YouTube that it included racially offensive imagery.
The video was released on 2 November and had Native American imagery featured in it, including teepees and smoke signals. It also showed lead singer Gwen Stefani wearing a feathered headdress.
However, Native American fans of the band were offended by the imagery used and left YouTube comments complaining about it, leading the band to remove the video from the site.
The fans also wrote comments about the video on No Doubt's official forum, with one user saying: "it has nothing to do with intent. whether they intended it to hurt or not, it's irrelevant because it's still trivializing and appropriating the culture. it hurts. thats it. this is hurtful to Native American communities. very simple."
A still from the now removed video shows Gwen as a 'Native American princess'.
The band took to their website to release a statement about the video, writing: "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. This is of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately.
"The music that inspired us when we started the band, and the community of friends, family, and fans that surrounds us was built upon respect, unity and inclusiveness.
"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."
The video was directed by Melina Matsoukas, who previously experienced controversy when her video for Rihanna's 'S&M' was accused of being "directly derived" from David LaChapelle's work, leading to a lawsuit.
Watch the band's video for 'Settle Down' below:
Below: music videos that got banned
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