No Doubt Pulls “Looking Hot” Video, Issues Apology

227 days ago by Reg Seeton

Gwen Stefani poses in the video for “Looking Hot,” the band’s latest single from Push and Shove – Photo: Interscope

Gwen Stefani and No Doubt pulled their new video for “Looking Hot” from the internet this week and issued an apology to the Native American community.

Although No Doubt released the video for “Looking Hot” this week, the new single from Push and Shove, the band quickly pulled the video from the internet amid controversy that it offended the Native American community. In the video, Gwen Stefani can be seen dressed as a stereotypical Indian who dances around teepees and battles cowboys in the Wild West.

The video was released as Native Americans across the country celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

Following the video release of “Looking Hot,” Gwen Stefani and No Doubt issued a statement on the No Doubt website regarding their intent behind the video:

“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.”
– No Doubt

The “Looking Hot” video was filmed over two days in October at the Valuzat Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita, California with Melina Matsoukas in the director’s chair. This was Melina’s first time working with No Doubt. Her extensive directing resume includes Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” video which recently won Video of the Year at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.

http://peterstanton.blogspot.com/ Peter Stanton

The level of socially permissible ignorance on Native American culture and history in the U.S. is absolutely unparalleled. You could make a video in North Carolina with 19th-century slaves playing bagpipes and wearing kilts, and that would be more appropriate and accurate.
- Pete
  
  People are way too thinned skinned now.This politically correct stuff is way out of hand. You can’t say or do anything anymore without offending someone . The only group of people in this country that are fair game to insult are Christians, even if its intentional it seems to be fine and nobody is ever outraged about that are they. Get a grip people. On top of that I’d bet the whole story is just a way to bring more attention to No Doubt to boost record sales.
  - KeraPingree
    
    Are Christian people oppressed? Let’s all take a day or two to think about that one. You obviously have no idea what it’s like living in a minority group.
  - http://peterstanton.blogspot.com/ Peter Stanton
    
    I don’t think the issue is about offense. I think it’s about intelligence. Recent generations have not been growing “thinner skin”; they’ve been becoming more historically and culturally aware. Back in the Golden Age of Western movies (and “Indian” stereotypes), the public was blissfully ignorant, still caught up in some of the same sorts of prejudices that have been around in this country for centuries. Now, thankfully, a wider population has been receiving a better education, and Natives have increasingly been able to raise their voices, although they are still marginalized.
RMW

The video hasn’t been pulled. I just got done watching it. Only the
dislike/like and comments capabilities have been disabled. No Doubt and G
Stefani: You have no clue, this in no way honors my me, my daughter or
our Warriors.
disqus_aKEhLIudCc

It’s not about politically correct, it’s about offensive stereotypes once again, the “dominant” white culture. Insensitive. she consulted experts from universities did she? well they ought to be fired, what the heck are they teaching?
Armando

I’m Native American. And would. Like to heve seen it. Gwen. Is hot!
BCB

I’m Native American and havn’t seen the video but I think No Doubt should keep playing the video.
Jamie

When are non native people going to realize that when you try to dress up like a Native American, and behave the way you do, example, dance around a fire, wear fake feathers, pretend to be Native American, that you are just being ignorant, offensive, and racist. If you really want to be like us, why don’t you give up your houses, all your possessions, your food source, your freedom, your language, oh ya, your land too. Then you might get just a dose of what it is to be a real Native American. We have had everything taken from us, all we really have left is our culture, our religion, and the fact that we are still proud of our ancestors, and proud to be native americans. Still want to act like a real Native American now?