The Rolling Stone Blog

Catholic Groups Attack Lady Gaga For ‘Judas’ Video

Lady Gaga has come under fire from Catholic and Latino activist groups who claim that the singer's as-yet unreleased video for her upcoming single "Judas" is racist and intolerant of Catholicism. In the clip, Gaga is said to appear as Mary Magdalene.

Photos: Lady Gaga's Best Looks

Jorge Serrano of the group Take Back Aztlán claims that the plot of the music video involves Gaga witnessing a crime and falling in love with a black Jesus figure. According to Serrano, Lady Gaga -- or "Lady Rerun," as he calls her -- is ripping off Madonna and "exploiting the Catholic religion, which many Latinos follow." It is unclear whether or not Serrano has inside information about Gaga's video, or if he is simply going on rumor and speculation.

Photos: Lady Gaga's Fashion Icons

The Catholic League and Chicanos Unidos Arizona have also criticized Gaga's choice to appear as Mary Magdalene, insisting that Gaga's portrayal of Catholicism is offensive and opportunistic. According to Cecilia Maldonado of Chicanos Unidos Arizona, if Gaga -- who she calls "Lady Caca" -- wanted to be "very brave," she ought to "pretend to be Muhammad." Bill Donohue of the Catholic League came out against Gaga, accusing her of having no talent and calling into question the timing for her single release. "This isn't random, we are getting closer to Holy Week and Easter," he said.

Photos: Lady Gaga's Monster Ball

The single release for "Judas" is set for next week. The premiere date for the music video has not yet been announced.

 

Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage

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