Avril Lavigne’s music video for her latest single, “Hello Kitty,” has some critics calling the artist out on the video’s racism. Lavigne has since tried to shut down those claims.

'Hello Kitty' Music Video

In the “Hello Kitty” music video, Lavigne, dressed in a frilly skirt adorned with cupcakes, a black corset and thigh-highs, pulls some moves as four Japanese backup dancers shimmy behind her. Gallivanting through Tokyo, Lavigne hits up both a candy store and a sushi place, with bright colors splashed about everywhere.

The cutesy take on the Asian city – as well as the race of the dancers in the video – verges into racist appropriation of Japanese culture, according to some. Lavigne claims the “Hello Kitty” music video was made to show her love for Japan, nothing else.

The possibility of racism isn’t the only issue people are taking with Lavigne’s “Hello Kitty” music video and the song itself. The video is hectic, a mish-mash of ideas that don't quite gel. And the song is a far cry from Lavigne’s early punk hits or the folksy alternative rock that she’s also put out. In fact, Lavigne doesn’t even really sing in “Hello Kitty,” which is more of a pop/rap wannabe club hit – that talks about sleepovers and spin the bottle.

– Chelsea Regan