Renowned singer Dua Lipa has reportedly made the decision to withdraw a music video, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, deeming it “insensitive” amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The 28-year-old artist, known for her versatile talents, had reportedly shot the promotional video “secretly” with scenes depicting explosions, fighting crowds, and chaos.
According to insiders, emergency meetings were held within Dua Lipa’s team, leading to the unanimous decision to pull the video. The footage, shot last September, was described as “playful” but contained elements of chaos, including car crashes, demolition, explosions, fireworks, and crowds fighting. The decision was grounded in the sensitivity of the content given Israel’s attacks on Gaza after October 7.
Financial Ramifications and Album Details
The music video, part of Dua Lipa‘s upcoming campaign for her third studio album slated for 2024, involved substantial resources, including hundreds of extras. The decision to withdraw the video was reinforced by the artist’s statement posted on her Instagram, expressing deep concern for the people of Israel and Palestine. The statement highlighted the unprecedented suffering in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and urging governments to address the humanitarian crisis.
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While the withdrawn video was associated with an unnamed track, the first single from the upcoming album, ‘Houdini,’ reached No2 in the charts upon its November release. Despite the financial investment in the now-discarded video, Dua Lipa chose a more subdued commercial for ‘Houdini,’ featuring her dancing alone in a studio and with large crowds of men.
With the new album expected to bring a “psychedelic-pop vibe,” Dua Lipa’s actions reflect her commitment to aligning artistic pursuits with global sensitivities.