Celebrity Buzz: Lady Gaga's 'Judas' Co-Director Explains Video's Religious Imagery

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Lady Gaga's 'Judas' Co-Director Explains Video's Religious Imagery

'Take a closer look at why you're judging,' Laurieann Gibson says regarding possible negative reaction to the clip.
By Jocelyn Vena

Laurieann Gibson
Photo: MTV News

It seems like most anything Lady Gaga does will spark some sort of controversy. And while the "Judas" video is filled with biblical imagery that may spark lots of healthy debate, Gaga says she is not trying to anger any religious groups.

Shortly after the clip made its debut, Gaga explained that it "is not meant to be an attack on religion. I respect and love everyone's beliefs." She expressed similar sentiments several times leading up to the premiere of "Judas," declaring that "it's meant more to celebrate faith than it is to challenge it."

When MTV News spoke to Laurieann Gibson, who co-directed the video with Gaga, her comments mirrored the singer's.

"To the religious groups, I don't even know that there's religious [stuff in there]," she explained. "I'm like, you know, Jesus did have a crown of thrones, he did die for my sins. I'm a believer, so I say to them, those religious people, personally, I can't speak for Gaga, but as a director, a choreographer, as a believer, I say, 'Take a look at yourself.' For me, I would never [defame] my savior and the love and the non-judgment of what Jesus means to me. So I say, 'Take a closer look at why you're judging.' "

Many may wonder why Gaga and Gibson settled on a video that would cause so many to react so strongly. Gibson explains, "The discussions were massive, the concepts were many prior to landing on a place. They were just exciting, full of passion. It was a magical process and we're really proud of where we ended up.

"I think the concept stuck with this one because ultimately there was a place where we wanted to leave the interpretation up to each individual and not take away [Gaga's] power as a performer, as a dancer, as a star," she continued. "And to leave the moments for you to interpret, and be inspired by the fact that everyone has a Judas in their life and there is a place of deliverance."

What's your take on the religious imagery featured in Gaga's "Judas" video? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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