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October 20th, 2009
11:38 AM ET
Rihanna is 'Rated R' for new albumRihanna's rockin' an eyepatch on the cover of her new single ... and not much else! 
Rihanna's new single is "Russian Roulette," from the album "Rated R."
 On the front of "Russian Roulette" - which became available on rihannanow.com this morning - the Barbados-born beauty poses with barbed wire strategically wound like a ribbon around her breasts. The 21-year-old chart-topper is definitely not playing the demure victim, after her much-publicized beatdown at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown this year. In the cover photo, she seems to be saying, "I'm a survivor, I'm strong, I'm sexy - don't mess with me!" In a press release this morning, Def Jam also revealed the name of her new album: "Rated R." As she announced last week in a tweet, the CD will hit stores on Monday, November 23. The video for "Russian Roulette" - which was written and produced by Ne-Yo - will "premiere in primetime on ABC." One can only surmise it'll be in conjunction with a long-form sitdown interview. |
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I understand that she has been through a traumatic experience, however, she is still a role model for our children. Kids already battle with all types of pressures and suicidal thoughts and to think that someone they look up to is uplifting suicide just makes me sick to my stomach. How many kids will identify with this song and instead of talking to someone and trying to get help, they are going to look at their "role model" and feel its okay to kill themselves. I listened to the lyrics and was honestly blown away that this song was approved by her label. I guess when some kid is listening to this song and blows their head off, then it will get pulled. Just sickening!!!
Well! I don’t think she has changed much if you check most of her videos she is always half naked. What puzzles me about Rihanna is that she is blaming everything that happened that night on CB and all of us seem to forget that they are both human beings just like us.
We know that it is wrong to hit a woman, but it is also wrong to hit a man. It all boils down to this; we are both human being and should respect each other. CB is young he has or should I say had a bright future a head of him. When the incident took place he reacted like a normal person would just as she did. We will never know if she tried to strangle him or what happen that night, but she did hit him and through his car keys out the window. Bottom line he was provoked and like some of us he reacted or defended himself. It’s sad to know how easy it is for a woman to manipulate the system. I’m bothered by this, because I have sons which I don’t expect to hit a woman, but at the same time they should not allow a woman to abuse them. If it is that men are wrong to defend themselves, they could easily lose their lives.
WE also have to remember that men have very big egos and even if she was the one who was abusive to him before all this we will never know. The both need to start over, it is the past and we all make mistakes. The bible says forgive and you well be forgiven.
Let us not dwell on the past and look forward to a bright future.
Tiffany, you are absolutely right...
To everyone going on and on about this picture, If any of you are parents, You have a much bigger issue to worry about at this point. That song Russian Roullette (which i listened to before i made the decision to type this response), and is also the first single from her album "Rated R" is about suicide. And no she doesn't say things that hint towards it, it's pretty cut and dry. From the music to the lyrics, you literally see a woman sittiing at a table with a gun playing Russian Roullette. I think the last thing people need to argue about right now is the picture. If her goal is to break away from the bubblegum music, then the first single will help her do that. But the way the teenagers of today are so influenced (i.e. Lil' wayne = tight jeans), it kinda frightens me of what's gonna happen if one of these teens have a bad day and listen to that song...
Then what you are saying its alright for this kind of music??? well my opinion is no and you have yours not sure if its for the music cd or her life in general... Besides she did go through a lot and Iam proud she faced him and is making him pay although he didn't get enough. But then again that's my opinion.
Good Grief. All the armchair psychologists are out in full force. Sometimes in life, the most powerful thing to say is NOTHING. People keep complaining that Rihanna has said nothing about Chris Brown or the incident. She does not need to. Not to us anyway. In fact, i believe there is more power in her actions. You don't hear about her doing lines of cocaine, getting DUI's, or sitting around with a syringe of heroin in her arm. In fact, what she did was finally report a abuse boyfriend to the police, went to court to ensure justice was done, and now she has moved on. Let's hope that the public can allow her to do so. (But i doubt it)
I am a grandmother of 3 children and i would not allow my grandchildren buy this nor would my daughter. I think Rhianna has went over the edge here. For one children today follow singers and there are so many children have emotional problems and will take it as a sign that's its alright to kill yourself. They need to pull this and trash it. Shame on you Rhianna.
Omg, i didnt think so many people would comment on this!
But i think that the cover of this is totally wrong. Lots of little kids like Rhianna, and bringing this cover out can be another image that can mislead the kids to something. If you know what i mean.
But once again, i agree with AliCat.
You have a point.
I do not want my children to buy that CD. It gives young girl bad image and they think if she can do it then they can do it too. Lord god, please give parents the extra faith and courage to deal with this young genaration of vipers.
you go AliCat.. Tell them.. She is still making the money..
Go Rihanna.. Your Bajan sister is with you.. Make that money..
Barbados in the house................................
Obviously she's doing something right. The Album isn't even out and her "shocking" [though not really] Album Cover is already generating buzz.
Everyone seems to have an opinion as to what they think the cover portrays: Strength, Courage, Low-Self Esteem, Scared, Sexy, Beauty, Victim all these are words people have used to describe how they feel she portrays herself on the cover.
From a marketing standpoint.....bravo.
Has everyone gone NUTS!!? Never have I seen so many judgemental, self righteous remarks. Yes kids can be confused by some of the images from the entertainment industry, however the industry is not the ones raising the kids. If you are the parent, YOU are suppose to use things that occur in the media that you disagree with; as a reason to open up discussions based on "you the parent's" beliefs & expectations.
Rihanna is in "Show Business", she is not in the business of parenting other peoples children.
How about we wait and see if all of the songs (not just one song) on the cd combined, tell a story and connect to the image used. Maybe one of the songs explains how she felt constricted in their relationship (thus a reason to use barbed wire), but can we wait for the WHOLE package before we make judgements? Maybe there is no logical reason to use such an image, but there is power in knowledge and right now none of us has total knowledge of what she may or may not be trying to convey. We are starting to sound very self righteous based on some of the responses and in the end judgements are being made on a piece of a puzzle.
Bunch of fat housewives hating on her ........funny. They would kill to look like that. Every guy wants to hit that ......and not with their fist!!!!!
when i think of Rihanna is a beautiful girl. The picture with her is not a good look i my opinion its not her profile
Sex sells. Those of us who aren't getting it are jealous when we see other people who are confident about it. It's the oldest story in the world.
All this "it's evil, it's sick, agggghhh" silliness is futile. We've created a society that idolizes sexuality above everything else, whether we want admit it or not. We like attractive people. Period. And that's nothing to be ashamed of. It's human nature, and to act like it isn't seems like exactly what it is – ignorant and foolish. Is there anyone here who wouldn't rather look at someone pretty with sex appeal than someone who isn't and has none?
That's what I thought.
"she throws women back a hundred years by binding herself in barbed wire" Really? are you kidding me? is it that significant of a picture that it has actually thrown women back a hundred years? wow i had no idea you were that crazy. i love you "christian" people always first to judge someone else but when someone judges you its all "do should only judge". well guess what GODS even thinks you are all dumb
Not appropriate in any way. What message does this send? I will not judge Rhianna, I refuse to. But this cover is not appropriate in any shape. What about the little girls who want to sing the lyrics to her songs. What about the little girls who look up to her and admire her. I'm sorry but this is not a form of art. Where do we draw the line?
She needed to take responsibility for her beating. Was Chris wrong? Yes, he was. But we all forget that she started beating and scratching him BEFORE he touched her. He, as a victim of childhood abuse reacted as any victim would. At least he manned up to what he did. She acted like a prima-donna, doing nothing at all that was wrong. They both had responsibility in that escapade.
This album cover screams of her wanting attention again. Everything has died down from her beating and she's not getting the attention from the media that she wants. Personally, I think she throws women back a hundred years by binding herself in barbed wire. I appreciate art, and I don't shy away from nudity at all. But this really puts her and other women down as something to be bound. Poor taste and a poor message to the world. She's in the spotlight. She needs to realize that her actions, however 'artzy' have widespread effects. If she wants to be the poster woman for strength, start showing it by being someone for women to look up to.
OMG! I dont think this has ANYTHING TO DO WITH CHRIS BROWN!!! I think she is over it and its about time we get over it too!! If you have seen her preformances you would know that she is a little bit out there on the edgy side. Although the barbed wire looks a little too painful– Kinky much RHI-RHI?!
Anyone who has a daugher....Would you want your daughter on the cover of a CD half naked? If you say Yes, your sick a parent!
Sell your music not your body.
Why would she care about all we say? It's her life anyway.. She enjoys what she's doing and let her be. If people dont wanna buy her albm because of that picture, its their own opinion.
When I first heard “Russian Roulette” by Rihanna, I was bored after the first minute. The bass line is good, but overall it’s not the club jam I was expecting. But when I looked up the words, I was stunned to see the song was not metaphoric. Lyrics like “No time to think, my turn to go” and “So just pull the trigger” offer encouragement to thoughts of suicide in emotional ruled teenagers. It’s like a crowd yelling “jump” to the person on the top of a building. Don’t think, just pull the trigger.
I hope this single is pulled off the shelves before I hear the first news report of a teenager committing suicide to this song. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think music causes suicide or any other detrimental act. I do believe teenager are much more susceptible to emotional influence and suggestions presented by mainstream media. A song like this gives friends that much less time to see the signs of suicide and act to save a life.
It's not so much about the intent of the song. It's about what a suicidal person will hear in this song. " Just pull the trigger"
Rihanna never spoke up for herself and women everywhere after the Chris Brown case, and I believe she is just as guilty as Chris. I love Chris Brown and I feel he has 100 X more talent then Rihanna. Rihanna is no goody two shoes and is as much to blame as Chris. I wish him all the best, and I wish people would open their eyes. She is no innocent victim, and I'm glad she does stuff like this album cover because it lets the world see the real her. I can't stand her. Best of luck to Chris Brown.
Her marketing company is very smart- they got people talking......even negative publicity is GOOD publicity. As a celebrity you have to keep them talking- or you're a "has been" in the entertainment world. Britney Spears played that card very well over the last several years.
WAY TO GO RI RI....keep up the good work. I'm not shocked! No one else should be. It's just a set of boobs– lopsided or not... we love it. We've seen it all these days. Look at Lady Ga Ga who's always talking about riding a "disco stick". LMAO. Music/celebrity-ism is gone crazy these days.
Just my two cents 🙂
Rihanna is a terrible role model and a useless celebrity. End of story.
Just another way to capitalize on the beatdown she already got. I wonder if ANY of the sales of this album might go to helping battered women and children, or maybe she just enjoys the whole "whip me, beat me" mentality.
And she's 21, not 41 or 31. She's likely to make boneheaded choices and send out mixed messages. I'm willing to bet her handlers said "Let's do something racy that can be misconstrued based on what happened" and she went for it...in a word, boooorrrriiinnngggg
I think she looks great and celebrities would be nowhere without the hate. Great for publicity. I guess you were all perfect in your youth. I'll be at Best Buy on Nov. 23rd!!!!
girls gone sleazy!!!
I think she looks amazing! It's just a phot for her new release and nothing more. Why do people have read crap into things all the time. It's just business and sex sells.....or didn't any of the morons saying she had low self esteem know that?
does this barbed wire make me look fat?
The "david" comment is the most sound and educated comment, in my opinion – It is logic, not emotion. Come on now, she is a human being whether she has low self esteem or not. Yes, she made this picture and her life for that matter public. But if it offends you, then dont look at it or buy it. At the end of the day, she has flaws (which I dont quite understand how you can tell by a COMMERCIAL picture), and so do we all. If you see someone in life that needs help, then help them as able, dont make them feel even worse about themselves. How mean we all can become.
All of the people that are freaking out about the photo should stop. There is way worse stuff on tv, most shows theses days are very inapproprite. Not to mention the cover doesn't matter as much as the songs on the cd. She is only 21, everyone makes mastakes, and if shes not proud of that picture she will apoligize. It's just propaganda.
She OBVIOUSLY has high self-esteem if she is willing to have an album cover like that. To the real point here, the album cover has no reflection or representation of Rhianna herself. I am sure her record label motivates such covers because sex sells people! Wake up!
Man I want that sexy body. Maybe then my boyfriend would acually have sex with me again.
i get it but don't like it. she is only 21 and is supposed to be a role model for young girls. this is not being a very good role model. i agree – trashy is just trashy
and she definetly does have low self-esteem issues – after getting beaten to a pulp she wanted to get back together with her abuser. and ever since then she has been running around half naked and making out with random guys at clubs. ya she's young but she needs to be smarter when she's in the public eye.
she needs to get it together and grow up a bit.
Seriously people, come on. These negative comments are from those of you who goes home and secretly watch your Penthouse and other porn when no one is looking. I love the cover, she seems to be liberated. She is no longer that little girl that did "Pon Di Replay" for us, she is not an adult with a voice. And I for one will listen to that voice loud and clear. I will be the first on iTunes to buy the song and concert tickets or any thing else she is selling.
haha people waist so much time complaining about EVERYTHING! It's called expression...why take the time to spread hate about such small insignificant things like a picture.. .I would be afraid to see how some of these people react to a actual crisis in there lives.. .she's a gorgeous strong female. . .GET OVER IT!
This story has the most comments of any story I can remember on CNN's website. I guess that explains everything about what's wrong in America. A staged photo on an album cover isn't a story, it's a photo. Unfortunately, Rhianna left the Caribbean islands a pleasant young woman and America turned her into another cog in the record industries marketing machine.
What kind of an example is this for the youth of America. This is what happens when you lack talent as a musician/singer songwriter. You end up resorting to shock marketing regardless of the message it gives to young America. If you honestly believe this image is about survival and the strength of a women... think again. These young woman keep taking the direction of their management and corporate America who only have one interest in mind, the all mighty greenback. They could care less if it sets women back and sends the wrong message. As long as they make money it's all good. The artist with real talent who resorts to this at a young age probably regrets it later in life and realizes they sold out for a quick buck when their talent as a singer songwriter/musician would have made them the star they are today anyway.
This is nothing more than her record label's idea put onto an album cover. If any of you think Rihanna has ANY say over what goes on her album covers, which songs appear on the album, or what interviews she gives or does not give, you are mistaken. She is not in the category of Beyonce who probably has quite a bit of say. She's a newer artist and is still going to be bound by her CONTRACT to do what they say.
This has nothing to do with her self-esteem or lack thereof, her morals or anything else. If she said no, she'd like be sued for breach of contract and lose any possible record deals later.
Why not use the cover as a way to teach your children instead of isolating them from it? If you like her music, get the album and explain to your impressionable daughters that this is not the way to get attention, that it's not the kind of attention they need, etc., instead of sitting around chastising the girl and trying to claim she deserves what she got.
Behold the UN-classy smut queen. Rhianna is determined to inspire the rape fantasies of teenage boys and dysfunctional men everywhere. She poses so somewhere an angry worshipper can rape and murder an innocent, pretty girl and come home to idolize this gritty poster on his wall. His kind of woman. She's so strong. She's so tough. She's so independent. One man is not enough so she invites the whole world to degrade her. Here is my body bound with barbed wire in anticipation for your hovering blades to pierce my flesh. Served up for your hungry appetites like a raw steak. Do your worst. This is not about the music. It's about being bought. Who will buy a piece of this? Young African girls, are you paying attention? This is how you pimp yourself for MONEY. Sell your body, sell your virginity, sell your innocence, sell your victimization, sell your integrity. Are you buying it? Who's buying?
Ummm, last time I checked, she is an adult. Henceforth, she can do whatever she wants. Instead of using other people to parent your children, why don't you do it directly? I think she looks fine, not much different from any other celebrity that runs around half-naked. People read way too much into things. So she has barbed wire on herself...she could have just thought it looked cool, and it does.
CHA CHING says the record company.
591 posts before mine and this is just on CNN in less than one day.
Mission accomplished.
Can you say publicity stunt or brilliant marketing?
She looks awesome, leave her alone. There are alot of people out in this world that hate when other people succeed because their own life is crap, as seen by some of the comments posted here.
Rhianna is an ugly little girl. What is inside that forehead of her's? A globe? Too skinny and not very smart. She looks like a bad piece of computer art.
She has to resort to sensationalism to keep her "career" from disappearing. She has nothing but shock value to sell herself and she has very little of that so forgettable is she
What people fail to realize is that one not be jealous or a prude to have morals and values. There is a difference between integrity and showing off. She looks like a freak on the cover, period. Young girls looking up at these women (I refuse to say ladies because ladies they are not) like Rihanna, Britney and other pop artists are being rewarded with gluttony, abuse, drugs and anything else unsavory you can think of.
I like the comment at 3:50 PM about any kids being able to see any image they want. Not in my house they won't. I don't need parental lock software; I am the software. Also, there is a lot to be said about not showing everything all at once; there is no mystery when you've seen it all. She looks revolting on that cover.
Smokin' hot! But she can do a lot better than that Nancy-boy JT.
I think it is funny when someone, anyone, on the internet says something negative about a skinny celebrity they are always called jealous. I agree that Cat's comment about the picture showing she has low self esteem was far fetched and kind of strange, but that was her opinion. But for people to also assume that Cat has low self esteem, is unattractive, and jealous just because of what she said is equally ridiculous. Skinny people never have negative things to say about other skinny people? The picture is degrading and meant to shock because they know she cannot depend on her singing voice to sell her records. So go ahead, tell me that I must be seriously jealous, grotesque, and hideously obese if it makes you feel better. LOL
Great role model, thanks for nothing
So much hate, o well. She'll still make that good money.
Well, this is Miss Barbados again...
This is the way I see it Barbed wire, Barbed wire... More money money. more money.............. This is what you all should be doing just like Rihanna making the money.. You also need to stop with the beat down thing at the end of the day she is making money and you are talking about her.. So who is ahead of who.. She is because she is making the MONEY...................!
and by the way.... if sex sells, she can wear a tight dress. fine with me. but this is just disgusting
Can't these women, stop with the bare pics and just rely on their talent if they have any, there are actually boring as hell.
okay I've read all of these comments and i must say that alot of it is just ignorant of the music business and culture. who cares if she was beaten does that change the product that she puts out there? the barbed wire is actually fetish /goth culture and this is the ignorance that I am talking about. mainstream artist steal from subcultures all the time this has nothing to do with self esteem, this is plainly a a way to introduce something that is not so new or shocking to those that are not readily exposed to this kind of imagery. I would never think low self esteem my first thought would be poser. really people, lets get out of the beef jerky, confedrate flag and guns mentality and try a little tolerance.
p.s
I know plenty of people that are from the caribbean and this notion that they are more liberal with their bodies is not true in fact it is quite the opposite. this is just another indication that people like to cling to stereotypes in order to explain and classify their surroundings
I don't know if anyone has said this already but we don't know the circumstances of the Chris Brown story. We automatically take the females' side but she could have initiated the violence or pushed the buttons that she knew worked on him. No one deserves to be beaten but those two are the only ones who know the facts. And from what I understand, this was not the first incident of violence so whatever you are willing to put up with on either side is up to you.
As for the album cover, it seems to be a marketing gimic so that we will do what we are doing....talking about it and hopefully buy it.
Thats it!!!!! was the first thing I said, just a sexy pic by a beuatiful lady
Rape and incest survivors know that rape and abuse are about control. Part of getting your life back from victim to survivor is to get your control back. It looks to me like she's saying, hey he did not steal my dignity, my sexuality, my pride, my self-esteem or anything else about me. I am in control of me. I hope her work on this album reflects how she's moving on to better things and that batterers are the Losers here, not her.
Hey, this isnt as bad as people seem to make it out as. She is not nude, and alteast you will remeber this cover. That is most important right?
Plus your not buying the CD for the cover photo...
Remeber that old saying dont judge the book by its cover!
Wow. Lots of comments.
Personally I think that if Rihanna sang for more adult listeners, I could see them putting this on the cover. But for god's sake: 12 year old girls listen to her music! Imagine being a mother and your daughter asks for this album. What is your immediate conclusion about this singer? And don't try and say that Rihanna doesn't get a say in the cover picture, because she's the one that stripped down and wrapped herself in barbed wire.
Ladies stop hatin , the girl is sexy as hell and rich! get a life!
What is the problem with the US? I would rather see the beautiful natural form of a person, male or female, than hack and slash games and movies. We, in the US, just can't look at a nude body without overwhelming sexual overtones. Whatever her message, whatever her reason for appearing with, ouch, barbed wire on sensitive bits, it's still beautiful. She exudes confidence and a challenge. Now, others would have rather seen her beaten up, shooting weapons at enemies and seeing those enemies reduced to mangled body parts. I ask you, if your child accidentally sees a picture they shouldn't, should it be Rhiannon partially nude, or a chopped up human or creature with all the gore in technicolor?
Hey if the girls has the looks the body and she is secure of herself! including that we all make mistakes in some form or another to be exact noone heres is walking a straight line let her have her cake and eat it too!! YOU GO GIRL!!! MUCH LUV
regardless of whether any of us like it or not, the cover is doing just what it is designed to do... get our attention... spark interest... get people talking.
Everyone assumes this photo was taken after the CB incident...most cover photos are taken well in advance of release...how do we know this one wasn't as well?
This is not my taste in a photo, but I'm not here to analyse or criticize...My daughters (6 & 7) will not see this photo and they will not hear racey lyrics. 'Nough said. I can only control what happens under my roof.
I don't see anything wrong with it.
The thing is people have the right to either buy it or not and that is how it should be.
if any one does not like her cover art, then feel free to not buy it and leave your silly comments to your self!
Don't you people have better things to do...either buy it or don't that makes a statement!!
Many of you are saying that she has high self-esteem because she can show her body like that. Well, of course she can! She has no worries because the digitally alter EVERYTHING for pictures that like. I agree, it's low self-esteem and anger and trying to fight back.
I think she looks fierce! She is strong and telling the world you can't take her out. Why on earth would anyone think she's trashy??!?!?
None of you know about art.
Dear Rihanna: From one Proud Barbadian Female to another – I ask you "WHY"?
I am saddened by this. Is it for more money, more popularity?
Who talked you into this disgrace?
Do not forget who you are – one day you will need to reflect.
The "music" is crap so who really cares about the album cover? We should only worry about the cover if she put out quality material, which she doesn't.
For me, This lady dooes not have any talent besides her looks.
She looks hot!
To all of you saying she has low self esteem....you probably wear elastic in the waist of your pants! For those who say she deserved to get beat up and she got what she deserved you are idiots....lastly this woman is not in charge of todays youth, it is the PARENTS job!!!! I have a 14 year old who likes Rihanna and knows that she is not going out of the house with barbed wire on her breasts...it ENTERTAINMENT people! Man, lay off of the Dr. Phil!!!!
Its not classy its trashy but that what most singers are these days. It sells.....
It will sell and thats what her company wants to sell and people to talk about it.
This belongs in playboy–its just plain porn. Isn't this the girl who got beaten up by her psycho boyfriend not too long ago. Wow–she needs to do this to sell her music?
She have low-self esteen. She is not pretty.
Let the girls past be her past. This picture has NOTHING to do with the situation between her and Chris Brown. They are both young adults. People fight and people get past it.
This picture is all about making money and selling records. Nothing more nothing less.
She looks great!!!!
She only posed this way because she wants her career back.
Her music is annoying and sucks anyway.
Well, I guess she is doing what it takes to sale albums.!!! For those who comment about a woman deserving to be beat, well no one does. You don't know this woman only the brand that her agent and publicist put out there for you to see. All the stars do this at one time or another. So you really must be jealous or something. Did you hate on Serena too!!!
Anyone who thinks the cover is R-rated really should try to get outside into the world a little bit. Hell, the Bible is x-rated compared to this.
I just hope she has a wardrobe malfunction.
Personally why worry about this I mean isn't there anything better to be concerned with like I do not know umm the economy and health care. So what if she wants to show her body off it is hers and if you do not want like it do not look.
i still dont believe that chris brown did those things to her there was a story publish in vibe mag where said to an reporter that she was the oldest of three and she would fight her brothers and used what ever she could on them bottles, bricks, what ever she could find when they fought so i think she started the stuff between her and chris he was defending himself because women have been know to start fights also im not saying that a woman needs to be hit but when the pubilc turns on one person i think everyone should look at both parties involve
Another talented female singer with some baggage, chosing to strip, go naked, shake their booty, whatever - for sales. Sad.
I believe Rihanna should have a long chat with Mary J. Blige about being a survivor and successful in the business. I am very forward-thinking and love modernity, but do long for the days when talented acts dressed up and strived for elegance, class and charm. Is that the Supremes and The Four Tops I see in my mind's eye.
Most "ladies" and "women" know that you do not have to take off your clothes to be strong, be proud or be successful. Rihanna, darling, be different – cover up.
Flex: when a woman poses almost nude on an album cover, she puts herself in a position for people to comment. That is what the world is coming to. Women are still for sale, prized for their ability to sell sex.
Snoopycj: Some people with low self esteem do hide their beauty. But, some people do so for religious reasons. Some people just don't know who to dress and/or don't care about wearing revealing clothing. Some people are just modest and want to keep privates private. Some people with beautiful bodies don't have the need to advertise it.
Devans: There are many people with low self esteeem who do perform on stage; that may be when they come alive and feel wonderful. Off stage, it may be a different story. We have all seen this with models, musicians and actors with tragic lives.
Yawn. This is completely staged to make it "controversial" in order to generate hype and sales. Major label garbage at it's finest. She's not trying to say anything with this picture. It's just pre-orchestrated by the major label to build up sales. There is nothing genuine about pop music, it's just disposable media. A commodity.
Couldn't have said it better myself...thanks, Dave
disturbia
Well, am I crazy about the picture? Nah. But kudos to her for being able to pull it off. I like her as an artist.
Well we are big Rhe fans here but my daughter will NOT be getting this album.. see ya Rhe..it was good while it lasted..
Oh the battered woman has low self esteem. So its the woman's fault when her partner beats her up in an effort to raise her self esteem.<<<<<this is ironic, please add inflection indicating sarcasm.
"I think its funny how people have such negative things to say when it comes to bi-racial or african american celebrities. If this would have been Taylor Swift most people on here wouldn't be talking negative or saying how insecure she is."
really, the race card on this one???
Uh...people...not EVERYTHING is explained by "low self esteem." Obviously she's very confident, most women are not brave enough to show their bodies. If anything, she suffers from TOO MUCH self-esteem in that way, haha. The problem is that she believes her value to the world is in her body. That's a mistake in priorities, not low self-esteem...enough with the pop psychology from the 80s and the church lady judgment. As a culture, we could reorganize her priorities by not buying her album, which I'm betting we won't do - and that's our bad choice, not hers.
To all who think criticizing the cover is somehow racist, please stop waving the race flag. This has nothing to do with race. It's clearly a conservative versus liberal argument and its quite obvious from the comments. Conservatives tend to disapprove while liberals tend to approve. It would make no difference if she were white, latina or Asian.
If displaying a semi-nude image of yourself conveys a strong black woman then I beg to be weak.....
ughhh – who cares
little talent / lots of marketing and flesh
One sees in a picture what one wants to see, a projection that is based on the image as filtered through one's viewpoint, experiences and prejudices.
I do take exception to the generalization that she goes with "men who beat her." Absent any evidence to the contrary such a critique is outside the realm of logic and, to my mind. Indeed there is evidence to the contrary. Given her stardom and the digging done by exploitive media outlets, any previous incidents would probably have surfaced by now.
Looking at some of the comments here, people seem to forget that this is the music business. Focus on the word BUSINESS. Rihanna is just doing her job so she can earn money the legitimate way. For those who have an issue with the album cover, try open your minds and listen to the music FIRST. Then make judgements on the true content, not just the marketing of the content. To be honest, all of this "self-righteous" finger pointing is exactly what the marketing was supposed to accomplish...it got you all to LOOK. Now, free your minds and look a little deeper!!!!
When she burst on the scene a few years ago it was with a voice of a woman much more mature than her age. She could have gone far with only her voice and none of the gimmicks. Instead, she chose to sell out just like Beyonce and Shakira, who are pale shadows of their former selves. It's a sad day, but the music industry really must put a lot of pressure on you to do these things. That is why I pirate all my music, to take away profits from these "real criminals."
It's sexy and sex sells. If you've got the goods might as well flaunt them.
Urban music has lost its class. What are they gonna do to shock people in 10 years?
she got what she wanted all of you people talking about her.
Barbed wire? OUCH. To each her own.
I'm amazed at the people beating up on Cat...
Sex sells and that's ok? It's entertainment so it's ok?
It's sad that our whole moral fabric is gone and everyone is so desensitized to think that it is ok....
Rhianna is a very beautiful girl, and yes, she can do anything she wants to do. She is grown and free. I just think it is sad, that she wants to portray herself in this light.....Any mother would say the same thing of their daughter. It makes no difference to me....I'm not buying her album.....
She is demeaning all women. Yeah, some men like seeing this crap but this is not helping women gain respect. This is all about macho sado-masochism. Rhianna, you made a bad move with your celebrity. Ban Rhianna and toss her out!
I think she has most everyone here fooled. There is only one reason for this picture, MARKETING. Has nothing to do with her or her self-esteem. Some designer came up with the idea, realized that it would make everyone talk about it (already over 500 comments posted on CNN alone). CNN even posted an article about it and made it to Top Headlines!! The more people talk about it, the more advertising they get, the more CD's they sell. If she wore a sweater and smiled nice for the camera would anyone be talking about this album that comes out over a month from now?
Just because you have a body good enough to show, doesn't mean you should.
Typical Rhiana, in my opinion. I'm not shocked the least bit. To me, it's just a form of expression and I don't think people should look too deep into it. That's the problem with America- hell, the world-now. We want to over analyze every, single, tiny, little, minute thing until we can figure out where exactly a certain action, thought, or picture comes from. Reality, it is what is it-a effin album cover. Just like the rest of the world, Stars have to deal with the whoas of the economy too. She gets it! Sex sells! Not even a fan but I'll buy the album just for the cover- she has my attention! 🙂
Flex,
The world is how it is because we don't have enough positive role models. Now, how you doooin? (as Wendy Williams would say)
Idiots, all of you.
It's an album cover and it is no more porn than Janet Jackson's, or Nirvana's Nevermind, or Prince's LoveSexy, and there are countless others. Don't buy it if you don't want to look at it...
WOW CAT, you're apparently the one with low self esteem. this young lady has been through a tramatic experience this year, and from the looks of it, is back better than ever. shes a strong, independant, beautiful young woman, so why should she hide that? let her prove that woman can be strong and come back from experiences like that, rather than hide, and dwell upon it for years to come. Rhianna is talented, and she has proved it over and over again, so for those of you out there who think this is showing low self esteem, i think its you that has the esteem issues.
Self esteem and self eespect are two different things you people are mixing up.
Anyway, who gives a crud.
What's cracking me up is everyone seems to think Rhianna herself made the artistic decisions and thus reflects on who she is as a person. She's a performer, and she's getting all the buzz she needs given the 500+ comments. Way to go marketing, or whoever the hell thought this cover up.
For all you self-proclaimed psychoanalysts, it's ART for Godsake! Don't read anything more into it. It's meant to sell her records. Get a grip!
Now she actually looks like an idiot. Anything to sell music, but her music can't sell itself. Sad.....
Rhianna's album cover is like an ink blot for most your little minds. We don't see the world as it is, we see the world as we are and most of you have horrible opinions of yourselves...
Live your Life Rhianna...
DX in TX
I'm sorry, I am not feeling this. I felt really bad for her but now lately she seems to be a joke to me. I am concerned for the little girls who looks up to her. I was hoping she would come out with something more encouraging to women who goes through what she went through with CB. Makes me wonder, whats really going on under that mohawk.
You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make it drink.
Nor can you fix this brand of stupid. Its plauging too much of this nation as it is. There will ignorant little followers of rhianna WANTING their boyfriends to beat, them, while they dress like bondage sl^ts.
Its more than sad, its near a crime.
Not so good... I, too, on first thought said to myself, "No wonder she was/IS in a violent relationship." Then I thought, "That's not realistic AND you shouldn't think like that." Then I started reading the other posts. HUH????? BUT, it was my first thought.
I bet she says she is a good christian girl like Beyonce.
It would be nice to see a role model such as her to set higher standards.
you people need to get off the internet, leave rihanna alone and live your own dam life, this is why the world is turning into what it is. lol!
typical American's judging people and afraid of nature. The funny think is she's not posing nude as some would say.
she's not crying out for help...she's trying to sell albums; it's her marketing.
People with low self esteem try to HIDE as much as they can...if you have low self esteem you would not put yourself on the cover for the world to see you. WOW, I can't believe someone would even say low self esteem...goes to show how backwards some people really are these days.
arm chair psychologists are idiots. this picture is about marketing and attention, NOT a measure of her self-esteem.
If I had a body as amazing as hers, I'd be darn proud to show it off. Good for her to have confidence. I'd say she shows the opposite of low self esteem. She's a talented artist, and a pretty girl. Why condemn her for that? If you don't like her, don't look at the album cover, and don't listen to her music, simple as that.
There are alot of women that get beat up and are not dressed in a provocative way. How you dress does not matter when it comes to abuse. (Look at the women in the middle east) She is an entertainer, trying to market herself in a way that gets her the most money. If you like her, buy her CD. If you don't, ignore her. It's as simple as that.
Rihanna is NOT a woman. She typifies the lack of maturity within the 20 something demographic. 21 is the new 11. It's easy to flaunt your body, much more difficult to display talent.. and let's face it... her voice sounds like elephant droppings. No offense. "you go girl?" please. Get a new catchphrase and then realize why you are actually using it. Blindly worshipping celebs is the only real pandemic this world is spreading... and it's dangerous.
Skanky. ... but so are most photos that try to sell sex and bondage.
You all need to scratch this self esteen crap with Rhianna. It's very difficult to have low self esteem and perform in from of thousands of people....."DAH" This is about getting PAID because every knows what sells. "Wake up people!"
I think she really does have low self esteem and VERY insecure...poor girl!!
big bub i believe the term is, metaphore. lol dictionary.com is your friend if you have trouble with the English language.
She REALLY needs to put a shirt on. There are going to be young girls who see this. What is the point!
Another desperate attempt to make money. If you don't have any other skills, take off your clothes! And when that gets old create some drama – drugs, violence, self-destruction. You can always fall back on has-been reality tv. The new American dream.
You know, all this cover proves to me is that she still has a rocking body.
and she probably still can't sing.
It's just a damn cover, people.
She's posing partially nude because sex sell, bottom line.
I love Rihanna's music but where is the morality?! Many of you who think indecent exposure is great are disregarding the fact that young ones especially girls will be looking at this image and see good in it.
The label company does not care about Rihanna, they just want to make money. And they are using Rihanna to achieve this.
Rihanna, if you are listening, please have them take this picture off, it does not portray who you are! You are better than this.
I find it quite hilarious in regards to those saying, "get with the times111!!!ione" "its 2009 it's a different era OLD LADIES"
Who actually BELIEVES that showing your body, and degrading yourself in public, is actually a good thing? I understand people have the right to their own choices in life. but those are private choices, your body, your sexual preferences, etc. Why is it so horrible for women to feel that those on stage, on tv, on our radio stations, have a little self respect and self worth enough to not look like your average streetwalker. If looking like you're about to claim your next john is new in style fashion type thing, call me an old lady at 27.
I would have to say the cover looks incredibly stupid. Whats the message? It just looks like an ad for some terrible post-apocolypse version of "Cats"
More trash for the trashpile
Too bad she didnt write 1 song on the entire album. what a con.
The only way you could call this low self esteem is if she had to be talked into it. I hope she wasn't.
She looks awesome...she rocks
Look at me look at me LOOK AT ME!!!!! From the clothes she wears, or the lack of clothes, to her CD covers, Rhianna screams to be the center of attention as do a lot of the music "stars" of today (Brittney Spears anyone?) instead of letting their music be the focus. There is a huge difference between having talent and having good marketing and IMHO, most of the music makers of today don't have the chops to make it without resorting to the bare-it-all, in-your-face behaviour that just masks the lack of true talent.
How is this rated-R? We Americans are so uptight. Wish I looked good enough to do that. I'm not a fan of her music, but the cover looks great, and so does she.
What a great role model for young girls.
I can't believe that this is even an issue! People get over it. It's a cd cover! I just wish people would stop saying "you go girl". That is soooo lame! LOL
Is it just me, or are the women who shout the "low self-esteem" crap usually ones who aren't attractive enough themselves to appear in images like this one? A woman's physical attractiveness is a tool in her arsenal. If we're fools enough to buy mediocre music because there's a beautiful, half-naked woman on the cover of the CD, more power to her.
And as far as making this image available to kids, please...any kid with a computer can access whatever imagery they want. Right after they've cracked the Parental Lock software you've put on their computer, that is.
I have never thought her looks were all that beautiful. How did she get so far in the music world.
Looks demonic she is clearly crying out for help and.. when one displays their cleverly revealing body that IS showing low self esteem issues.
What beautiful, confident, woman who wants to be remembered for her SINGING would want to feature themselves like this? This looks like some tawdry bondage movie film promotion. Women have come too far for this.. she looks like even more of a victim.
Thanks for the warning... I won't be purchasing this garbage.
I don't hate the album cover. I really don't care about it. I think its there to get people to not look at the real issue here. Is the music any good? Its slight of hand people........look at the album cover buy the album based on the album cover........while the song might suck real bad. They keep you focused wrong thing.
Lets be honest, she spends way to much time in the news partying, going to clubs, fashion shoots, fashion events...............not enough time in the studio. When was the last time she had a hit banger? When was the last world tour?(You can only make money now a days on tour................haven't seen her ever headline) Sex sells, I know but sooner or later the jig is up......
i really believe that is REAL barbwire.
I think everyone missed it. She is an Artist expressing herself through this photo. She want everyone to know that her body is off limits, thats what the barb wire is use for. The picture is a mediphore, we use barbed wire to keep people off our property. "Don't cross here"
So much for a role model, on that I agree!
Music industry uses violence and sex to boost sales but that doesn't mean that you have to like it or buy it.
If you don't like her music or the message she is projecting with her image, then simply don't buy her stuff and don't listen to her.
What I can say is that it get harder and harder to raise kids, specially girls while being bombarded with these messages.
I can see the halloween costumes already, will be lots of barbed wire this year especially at the gay bars as the girls dress in wire to outdo each other, thanks Rianna for the next fashion statement.
Sex only sells in the music industry for women. Show me one cover of a naked guy on his latest album. It dumbs down women and those of use who work for a living and have to put up with all types of men trying to hit on us because of a few of us get really upset. We would like to be respected for our minds as well as our bodies.
How does this self-absorbed cover and adornment in barb wire have anything to do with guns and chance? Perhaps she had six boyfriends to choose from and hoped to pick the one that wouldn't beat her to a pulp. We all know how that worked out.
Or perhaps she's positioning herself for the remake of the celebrated "Barb Wire" movie that starred Pamela Anderson.
And the holy eye patch? As Rihanna the angry Russian Roulette Pirate would roar: "RRRRRRRRGH"
I really wish she had given this a little more thought, because alot of teenage girls look up to her and watch her every move so I wonder what they are going to think about this picture. I dont think this was a good image for the younger crowd. I hope this is all worth it.
Bottom line...She need Jesus!
PS if it was taylor swift i'd say the same. miley cyrus is awful as well. most of the "talent" on your local radio stations today, are all a part of the mass media force feeding you to believe what they put out is "good." unfortunately most of america won't look past what they SEE and can't listen to the music which is truly unoriginal, and pathetically lacking in real "talent."
I think the cover is fine. Its artistic expression. Its a shame that there are sooo many small minds that are afraid of a little shred of nudity. If you don't like it don't look. I'm sick of having to pay the price for a bunch of censor crazy jackasses.
474 comments on this earth-shaking topic. Amazing.
Obviously R is talented and the cover shows that she does have the body to pull off the "less is more" theme.
I once dated a stripper and agree with what she said about her industry, "If you have a great body, talent and keep your head straight there are millions of people around the world who want to see your image. Don't hate the player – hate the game."
I attended her concert in April on Sunset – totally incredible!!
There will be many of us who would have bought the album without the image but probably more will because of the sexiness of the cover.
signed – 45 yr old happily married male in Vancouver ,B.C.
Rihanna, you don't have to post nude to sell your albums.
It is very degrading and very outrageous when people kids look up to set a bad trajectory.
Who are her advisers, where are her parents/ family when she post these outlandish pictures on album covers. you out to be ashame of yourself.
Your album and its posting stinks the high heavens . you are a very indecent example to teens.
i wish that album/cd stays at the bottom and never sells.
You are a laughing stock and i supposed you have a very low iq.
we are a wasted exaple in the entertainment industry. entertainment should nobe about sex, is that what its' worth today?
Love the cover! Point blank freedom move. Watch out not to take it to far that you'll get lost. It shows in my artwork of past abuse turns out it scares most while others love it.
I am a survivor of domestic violence and I also work with domestic violence victims. I do think Ryhanna is seeking help.
I don't know if she has already, but I do wish she surround herself with people that can guide her to the right path and I do hope she is getting professional counseling.
Many domestic violence victims turn to alcohol and drugs. Let’s hope she hasn't done that and the only thing she is doing is posing semi-nude.
I would suggest that we should stop judging her and wish her the best in her life and career.
OMG, someone just HAD to pay the race card. It seems YOU are racist QuTeePi. "Little white angels"?? Are you kidding me?
Get a life chic.
P.S. I am black.
No Cat grab a clue. Just because someone poses with barb wire does not mean she has low self esteem. It supposed to be cutting edge and naughty. Why is it when a woman poses like this its oh she has low self esteem if a guy did this around his junk everyone would think its edgey.
Why don't we get to the real deal and blast the fact that she was in an abusive relationship? Why can't that still be the on going issue and talk about that. We as a nation are raising woman to think it ok ti hit girls and all we can talk about is she has low self esteem.
Please get with the real issue!
She needed this type of cover to sell records because her voice was not getting the job done. I am not hating just telling the truth.
it met to catch your eye and wonder that is what sells nowadays even if it crap or not wont know until you listen to it
I wish parents would start taking responsibility by being their own childrens role models. How can you get angry when you let the world raise your child? Rihanna is not in the business of being a role model. She is a musician and artist. If your child looks up to her...whose fault is that??
I agree, this is pornographic in nature. But artistic and beautiful.
This thread reminds me of a scene from Spinal Tap. How sad.
It's telling that the self righteous here proclaim her to be a stripper or have self esteem yet nobody bats an eye at male rock groups adorned with actual strippers.
I'm not a musical fan of hers, but I believe she's self-empowered and most people here have double standards, or as it's also known, religious bigotry steeped in medieval hypocracy.
She's not hot, she looks mentally disturbed. You can tell that from those jacked-up hair styles she be sporting.
Those who think she has low self-esteem because of this picture ... you are all idiots.
Lets flip the script a little bit, if this was a guy with a good muscle-bound body, no one would be saying he has low self-esteem, as matter of fact hardly anything would be said about it except for the women drooling over it.
Think I am wrong? ... Two perfect examples: The back up dancers for Madonna. All good looking guys that have good fit bodies who sometimes play a submissive role to her or some dance routines that are less then flattery for a male's ego.
2nd Example: Where are all the low self-esteem comments when a rap star with a hard body is poseing with his pants just fractions of an inch above his privates and acting all tough in the vein attempt to cover up obvious short comings in his life. LOL
Get over it. This cover is artistic and she has the looks and the body to pull it off.
People, wake up and welcome to the entertainment business-2010. Come on now..
Why is everybody talking about self esteem with this girl. Who cares. She sings pretty good and she's smokin hot. nough said.
jenickki October 20th, 2009 2:48 pm ET
Bottom line, sex sells! The CD will more than likely go thru the roof, I would say for those who have never heard this artist, will look at the cover and go..."Humm...sex sells".
Sex sells??? Uh, yeah in the movies and videos and she is not an artist, she is an average singer who got a break and a lot of ghetto pr. Real singers can't catch a break. The people that go for her must be very young and really don't know a darn thing about the entertaining of actual vocal artist, they only know lyp-synchers and butt shakers. Too bad too because these artists deserve the title "Artist" and they would blow this chick straight out of the water.
how in the world does that image exude low self esteem? contrary to wat overly conservative people believe, being sexy doesnt mean ur self esteem is low
One day the alien in her forehead will pop out and scare everyone. This is fact.
There is nothing wrong with the picture. I have seen much worse. This picture has nothing to do with her getting abused by Chris Brown or judgement of her self esteem. Why can't you see the picture for what it is......and not judge it for what you want it to be. If she was never abused, would you say the same things? What if this was Madonna or Beyonce? Would you assume the same things of them other than they being great creative artists? Get a grip people is this 2009 or what???
Whats the big deal? I totally have that shirt.
I love how us ladies love to criticize gorgeous, sucessful women to make ourselves feel better about our mediocre lives.
Shes young, hot, talented,resilient, sucessful and looks fabulous in barbed wire!!!
Sex sells beacuse we love it, nothing wrong with that.
Work it Rihanna, and laugh at these haters all the way to the bank!
AMEN to "Shaking Head". How long are we going to point to the parents? It seems every time somthing inappropriate comes out, everyone says "be a better parent, your kids won't do this if you are more invovled",ect ect. Come on people, there are more entertainers with their bodies on display than a parent can handle! We have to hold others accountable for their influence!!! The fact is, there are many children that look up to celebrities, whether thier actions are right or wrong. Everyone needs to check themselves.
Speaking on the pic specifically, I don't feel good or bad about it. I personally am indifferen about her music. But, It's an album cover. Would I want to see my daughter dressed like that? No. But I know one thing, I will keep doing my best as a parent to combat all the crap that's out there and teach my kids right from wrong since others in the world have reached numers that can overpower MY influece.
Be in control & responsible for your own morals, those are things you have control over in your life. Not her, she has her own morals to answer too. We all have a choice to either admire the pose or find it distasteful. Turn away, keep looking; buy it or don't buy it; keep the cover or trash the cover. IMO – more important things in my life than to worry about a picture of someone i know nothing about.
Go Ms. Rihanna!!! It's all about Hollywood. After being attacked by her man and that ordeal, she deserves a hit record. I predict multifple hit singles and more. She is young, a Cover Girl, Pop Star, and domestic violence survivor. Three Cheers for Rihanna!!! Do what ever you want girl...you are free.
Has any one listened to the lyrics of "Russian Roulette" Correct me if I am wrong so now it is fashionable to commit suicide. According to all blogs this is a staight No. 1 hit. Good luck to all those parents with teens. and tweens
that doesn't mean she has low self esteem duh! means she's confident...wow pple aren't very smart
LMAO! @ "openminded" gotta love kids! Too cute
I, just for fun, asked my 5 year old daughter what she thought of the picture. I simply said "What do you think about that?"
Her response, "She looks mad. I think she's mad cause her jump rope is broken."
I find it rather racist that every time a powerful black woman does something inspiring like this everyone wants to put them down. I hate to tell people from other countries that I am an american. I have never seen a group of people so racist. Nobody seemed to have problems with their little 9 yr olds going to see one non-singing Ms. Spears on stage in see through outfits while their little white angels screamed "I want to be like britney"! Nobody had problems with her being completely naked and rolling around in a bed in her music video. Yet Janet shows her nipple for a nano second and America went straight for their Bibles! Rihanna gets abused and she is expected to become a nun because of it. Now because of an album cover everybody wants to pass judgment. Guess what you self righteous morons, pictures do not speak volumes. I was abused for 4 miserable yrs. The minute I got free, I posed nude. Not for anyone in particular but just to be able to look at myself and say I am beautiful and never allow anyone to make me feel the way I did for those 4 yrs. So everybody needs to leave her alone. Regardless if you buy her album or not, trust me your dainty little daughters will still get to see it and hear it. You do remember the internet don't you?
lol rihanna can't sing at all. she's getting by on her "ass"ets for the most part. and her image, which the sheep eagerly follow to emulate her style. but as far as "singing" talent, she has none. you want singing talent please buy a ticket to your nearest symphony. thank you 🙂
The album cover is simply to provoke a response out of people, grab your attention and generate buzz, and it's working splendidly judging by the polarizing comments left on here. Marketing 101 wins once again.
It's just an album cover, nothing worth debating.
It's a hot cover...and the opinion of most of these middle aged conservatives doesn't matter in the entertainment world. Rihanna's image is one build on being fashion forward and edgy. Bottom line is if you don't like it, turn the page or hit the little X in the upper right hand corner of your screen.
The whole thing seems like a publicity ploy. Big Surprise (insert sarcasm here). It seems that for many, negative attention is better than no attention in life....and, well, Entertainment grabs the gold. Rhianna is very pretty, however I think with the recent past, the cover doesn't really enhance her image. Come on– barbed wire? it is a little ironic.
Nevermind the cover. Let's hear it for the reporter who wrote of her domestic abuse as a "beatdown". Just another example of poor editorship.
Not a very good singer
Not very good music
Not a very impressive album cover
Not worth all the psychoanalytic trash talk that seems to be going on here.
On to the next trashy celebrity willing to exploit themselves.....
Wow. Life imitates Spinal Tap......again. "You put a naked, greased woman on all fours, with a dog collar, and a hand shoving a leather glove in her face"......."What's wrong wif being sexy?...."SexIST sexIST!"
I have no problems with what people are saying, "If you have the body, then go ahead an flaunt it." But come on people, have some taste!! She's definitely attracting attention-perhaps the wrong kind too...
I think the album cover is new pop shiek, which is what she is all about. She is a fashonista and a talented singer. The fact that she has the guts to show herself in such a way I think is very courageous which is something that I think she wants the public to know and no longer be looked as the victim. For the record the way a woman acts or dresses, does not give a man the right to put his hands on her or pshysically abuse her!!!
I think its hot and sex sells and Rhianna is doing exactly what the public wants and what sells records. Creating something that many view as wrong and that all of us who try to be rebelious must have because we think it pushes the boundries and is non conformist. I say flaunt it if you got and more power to Rhianna!
Rehanaa!!!!!
She have the body of every women dream
How ridiculous is it to say she has low self-esteem?!? Do you have the guts to do that?!?! LOL i love how women who have nothing going for them choose to criticize some one that is stronger, have more confidence and are way more beautiful....Much respect Rhianna!
I think its funny how people have such negative things to say when it comes to bi-racial or african american celebrities. If this would have been Taylor Swift most people on here wouldn't be talking negative or saying how insecure she is.
I think her management is great, its a great marketing tactic with the publicity and her music with all the domestic violence hype. Do you really think she came up with all this herself. Remember IT sells, and people are interested, your reading this right?
you know what...im starting to think she may have wanted to get smacked around..some people are into that sorta thing. S&M style..maybe they were role playing.....i mean...this cover is a bit odd..
Hot but odd... 🙂
I LOVE RHIANNA'S PHOTO. What I love most about her is that she is unpredicable! Unlike the boring, predicable women who continues to drink salty water and hateraid and trash women like Rhianna. I bet most of the women commenting only WISH they could pull off a barb wire sexy shot. ROCK ON GIRL!!!!!
Wow! It really sickens me to see & hear how women out there put down other women. To say that her photo provokes & attracts bad people with bad behavior to come around is ridiculous. And to say she is at fault for getting beat up, Really? Here I thought it was Chris Brown's fault because he couldn't control his temper and rage, silly me. I suppose that women who go out in provocative clothing and get raped are at fault as well then? People need to start taking responsibility for their own actions & stop blaming other people. And why not bare your half naked body to sell your art, after all doesn't sex sell? Oh, but I bet all those other half naked women in ads all over the world have low self esteem also because they bare it all... I'm just guessing here but I bet this was a very empowering album for her after everything she has been through. Domestic Violence is very common & often gets over looked. She unlike all the millions of other women out there that suffer from it on a daily basis in private had to deal with it in the eyes of the public & with the media at her every turn. So why don't we as women start standing up for our sisters instead of trying to bring them down!
Did anyone see Shakira's video on "She Wolf". It was hot, and she was in a cave and howling like a wolf. I didn't hear anyone complain. You know why? This is the music industry, and sex sells in whatever form. Artistes use provocative wear, poses etc. You should see Shakira's moves, I can't believe one human can bend or twist their waist and move their hips like that. Beyonce does it too. Did you watch the Single Ladies video? It's about sex. So if Rihanna chooses to have a provocative cover, it's about selling her music, because sex sells. So stop analysing her as if it has to do with self-esteem issues, or the situation with Chris Brown. Don't you think she would also have been advised by per producers to do that cover? It's not a single decision, it would have been managers, producers etc. So stop the hating and buy the album if you want, or not if you don't want. I think she looks hot and confident.
People can think what they want, but you can never tell how a person feels from a picture. And think about it this way– it's not like people in the entertainment industry ever get much of a say in anything, let alone get to pick things out for themselves. There are always people behind them coming up with ideas, choosing outfits, hairstyles, poses, camera shots...so I doubt that the way she looks in the picture reflects who she is or how she feels about herself. It's possible, but never assume. It makes you look insensitive and judgmental.
Hmmm....how many hundreds of comments....and how many of you will talk to someone else about it, and they to someone else, etc. Looks like the marketing campaign worked. What she is selling doesn't matter.
If she's strong, how did she let someone talk her into that "costume" for her new cover?
I don't understand what the big deal is. You can go to the beach and wear a skimpy top, or no top, but just b/c she's wrapped in barb wire it's a big deal!!! She's not showing anything. She's not standing there naked. Get the heck over people!!! She's hot and there's nothing wrong with what she has on.
To Just Breathe,
All women should love thier bodies, thin, fat, tall, short, whatever. The problem lies within the image she is projecting. Wrapping barbed wire around your body wouldn't exactly qualify as "loving your body".
All of this – this long discussion on Rihanna – is why she did the cover like this – why THEY did th cover like this. As so many people have already said, there's a whole machine behind Rihanna. Who the hell am I to judge her choices? Don't buy the album for your daughter. So what? It's ok to want to be heard. But, I don't know if it's such an idea to be heard with such a condemning, holier than thou tone. "Let he who knows no sin cast the first stone." I'm sensing a whole lot of boulders from people in pristine, lead crystal houses. I don't see how that helps you, nor do I see it as a positive way to reach out to the people you're condemning; NOR do I see it as a positive example for leading your twelve year-old. To put someone else down to make a statement or prove a point? That's what's wrong with this world. Love and support those who need help or LEAVE THEM ALONE. Unconstructive criticism just breeds hate. Enough already.
Some great quotes here! All very TRUE. Don't continue to enable Rihanna with your positive comments.
"No wonder she hangs out with men who beat her up. Based on that picture she has obviously very low self esteem."
"behavior illicits the way she's treated."
"Something must have snapped in her head. This girl has probs if she feels this barbwired approach is the way to go.
Pity, really."
"Not really sure what to think. Wish she would use her voice and actions to say "I'm strong and sexy" instead of her body."
"Ya, I realy want my 12-year old to buy Rihanna's new ablum. Are you crazy? What kind of image is she sending our youth?"
I agree with Sienna Rose. It is a product – her album...anybody catch the name of it "Russian Roulette". I think the picture goes with the name! And like actors, musicians are a product. If it caught your attention, then she has done her job!
I believe that women have been posing provocatively for quite some time now, so I see no reason for some of these posts which sound like they impling that Rihanna somehow brought what Chris Brown did upon herself. She is in a career where sex sells, and I believe she doing a just fine in that department. I'm sure she could keep herself covered up, but I would gurantee in today's media drivin society, that her career would suffer because of it. She has a great body which she probably has to work on to pull off. Be proud and show it, you don't have it forever. Do we tell teenage boys who show exceptional physical abiltiy on the Football field or Basketball court to cut back on what they are doing because other people aren't as gifted? No, so why should we not let women take advantage of their physical body?
I believe she is a true women with HIGH SELF ESTEEM! Shes beautiful and the coments are right SHE IS FEARLESS SHE IS STRONG!! To say she has low esteem is stupid get a life ppl. You have to have confidence in order to pose nude for goodness sakes. Stop hating.
Rihanna is hot. Love the cover and album name.
All the ugly ones go ahead and hate, you sound so stupid!hahaha
You know she has issues and what is the real story between her and Chris Brown, You only heard her side, what did she do to provoke that man look at her now, she has to do all that to still try to get some attention. She really needs to go find herself and not allow men to degrade her on what she should put on. she looks just like a tramp living in the jungle. Im glad Chris Brown left her trampy self alone, he deserves much more than that. Who was the real VICTIM. um
Man, I am amazed at the amount of diagnosis this picture has recieved. Honestly, don't you all have something better to do?
I think it is an amazing picture. Only someone with a great deal of confidence to do a picture of themselves!!!
GO RIHANNA!!!!
Rihanna is a stripper. That passes as art in today's debauched society.
is this really an issue? I've seen worse...more explicit...this is nothing...let her be and lets get back to business.
This is a cover of her new single, hello, am I the only one who knows this?? This is not her everyday photo. She is not going to wear this to the stores or on the beach or to the movie theaters, etc. Rihanna is a singer and when singers do cover shots, they like to dress up and role plays... I have no idea why people just so caught up on something like this? It's just a CD cover, people, if you don't like it, look away or find something else to look at... She is young and she has just gone thru a public break up, let the girl be herself, be sexy and be free. If she think she looks good and she wants to show off, let it be. If you don't like it, keep walking...
Lets talk about what really important..Damn! Who did her hair?? LOL
Other than that I think its hot and kinda artsy...think black and white shot.
I would not venture a guess on her state of mind..not an X-men character..LOL
"I'm a survivor, I'm strong, I'm sexy – don't mess with me!" YEAH RIGHT! Give me a break... she's like all the rest of the rich and famous people on this planet (well...most of them anyways). They all live in their own little worlds which has little to do with reality. Spoiled little girl is what she is. I bet right after this photo shoot she said "Eewww! Get these horrid clothes off off me! James, get my limo here NOW! I want to fly to Europe for the evening." "I'm a survivor, I'm strong, I'm sexy – don't mess with me!" LOL... what a joke. I'd LOVE for all these smug, young "stars" to have to get REAL jobs in the REAL world! They all need a dose of reality. A dose of the REAL WORLD!
I find this cover very distasteful and gross. I will not buy this cd or even accept this as a gift. If i want to see porn i will look at a playboy.
It's not about "being a hater" It's about being a good judge of character. This girl is comming across as trash.
The idea that women with low self esteem invite abuse is a myth. The actual fact is – many abusers target women with high self esteem because they are threatened by that and want to "take her down" to the right level.
The idea that anyone "invites" or asks for abuse is part of the ideology that abusers rely on to shift the blame off themselves.
There is NO excuse for abusing anyone. Period.
I can't believe that you people think she has any creative input involving this album cover. Artistic director, marketing specialists, production designers, and the photographers corroborate on what the image should entail. Rihanna herself has no idea what the cover will look like until they present the mockups and ideas. You're all such simple, judgmental fools!!
I didn't realize she was putting a comedy album out. Anywho it's tacky and there is nothing "artistic" about something that's been done repeatedly by porn mags and a dozen other bands or singers trying to make a statement. Yawn.
Ok, lets be honest.......sex sells but there is an eerie trend concerning budding female singing stars. It seems that someone (if not the artist herself) feels that talent alone is not enough to create buzz and sales. Janet, Mariah, Madonna, Beyonce, and Brittany have each done this. Even lesser stars like Ciara and Pink have fallen to this low. I'm sorry, but Ms. Rihanna is not as well-known for her vocals as she is for her looks and that is the unfortunate side to this story. I applaud Whitney and Celine for keeping it covered (maybe because they aren't......you know). Lets not worry about her mental status, she's no Brittany.
Of all the great singers of my generation I can't think of one who had to pose with barbwire to sell a song .
Art? Artilst? Charles has got it, this is anti-art. Her music is terrible. It is the complete opposite of art. Maybe Rhianna and Lady Gaga could team up and put out an album. "The Queens of Suck."
She looks hella hot.
That's not insecurity; that's taking control of a situation that leaves you feeling helpless. That's not low self esteem, that's healthy processing in the face of the high profile, public body-violations she just endured!
no matter what a women wears it does not give anyone the right to abuse her, phyically or mentally. So all the women that show their bodies, (actually there u see nothing really) are all asking for abuse. Wake up!
Sex Sells and it always has, she wants to evoke a sexy image which guys like and girls want to be sexy. but the barb wire tells me she is into pain? I mean, wouldnt wrapping yourslef in barb wire hurt like hell? kinda like getting beat up?
I think that she looks like she is a strong, powerful and focused. Women do albums covers like that all the time. Just to name a few, Brittany Spears, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson, Christina A., etc. You have to do what sells and sex does. She's young, georgeous, and motivated. That's really all she needs. People opinions don't pay her bills she do. I hope she stay on her game and keep the haters talking. Its obvious that their lives are boring that's why that are so worried about someone else. Please get a life!
anyone who has used photoshop knows that all photos are faked. i think it is hot, but i don't really know who he is...
I used to like her, don't anymore. She sets a horrible example for young girls, she should of spoken out about the abuse she suffered. Shame on her for not doing so. She comes across as very trashy and not someone I or any of my friends would look up to.
she looks like she wants to get banged up, then beat down; if you know what i mean.
Pop music relies heavily on sex marketing.
Pop stars rely heavily on many talented people to make them the shiny glossy cover of what is actually an entertainment product.
No one is in a position to know how much talent Rihanna does or does not have except the people who have seen what she's done on her own.
Rihanna was made, she is being sold and she allows it to happen because from it she gleans fame and fortune.
Period.
Now, make your assessment. It is based on who you are, yourself.
the reason people do covers like this is because Phillistines like yourselves love to comment on them.
Just listeneded to her "Russian Roulette" complete with gun shot and lyrics "So many won't get the chance to say goodbye".
If this is a goodbye, it is a horrible exit.
I'm glad her cover is an accurant warning (or promotion for those that enjoy such) of what seems to be the direction of her newest cd.
Sure she's gorgeous, but it's really pathetic that so many "artists" these days try to compensate for their lack of talent by showing off their boobs.
Buy the CD with the pretty girl on it. Repeat her lyrics and her actions. Do what she does and everyone at def jam or rockafella. Ignore the symbols and signs we are showing you. Sell your soul to us and you will be granted all the material things you worship.
We gonna run this town
We are, ya i said it, we are
This is Roc Nation, pledge your allegiance
Get y'all black tees on, all black everything
Black cards, black cars, all black everything
Illuminati?
For those of you who don't understand how this process works, let me shine a little light your way. This photo was produced by a creative director for Rihanna's employer. She is under contract and has little input on the creative aspects of her marketing campaign. It's how the business works. Her public image in constantly managed/directed. Try to avoid reading into the type of person Rihanna is through this medium.
Would you all be less offended if it was black ribbon instead of barbed wire? Would you even be making these comments if it had not been for the incident with her Ex? Has anyone watched her career progression? Everything has changed not just her looks her music. She is a product of her record company who happened to get beat up by her boyfriend.
This over-rated hack looks like a TRANNIE to me! All show and no substance – typical of today's "music" scene.
Wow...why can't women be free to be comfortable with their bodies and sexuality. Only those with self-esteem issues need to take down other women. She should be able to celebrate and showcase her "assets" if she so chooses. We all get to decide for ourselves what we are comfortable doing Cat. Take a pill and enjoy it with your supersized jug of HATERAID!
She is beautiful talented and a definite survivor. Mistress of her own destiny.
I agree it's more of a publicity stunt than anything else. I also agree it may send the wrong message to our youth. However, if you equip your kids with the right tools, they should be able to make sound choices. Rihanna is young and that's obviously the extent of her wisdom. Give her time, as she gets older, she hopefully will make wiser choices. She is however, a very beatiful and talented you lady.
To CNN and all of you here who would love to censor everything… As I read through these postings here I see words like “slut, whore and trash” thrown about to describe this young woman, but I post “SAVE THE TA TA’S”… AND THAT GETS TAKEN DOWN! You people must be old biddies with nothing better to do than decide on what you like and what you don’t and then try to push it off on other people, people, get over it, it’s only a picture and it’s getting the exact response her promoters want… HEATED DISCUSSION to make people go and by the CD… maybe you won’t but somebody will… and as for CNN… you instigate a discussion but then you want to censor… can’t have it both ways.
And for the record… “Save the TaTa’s is a catch phrase for fighting Breast Cancer! Do you support that CNN?
“SAVE THE TA TA’S”
Just another gimmick to sell more copies of her CD. The more publicity and notoriety she gets, the more she sells, the more money she makes. You think she gives a crap about what any of us think as long as we buy her product. She is laughing at everyone while she sticks her greedy hand into your wallet and purse. The laugh is really on us and it's sad.....
This is what wrong with the world today. Sex Sells? I mean, get a life. Nobody said she deserved to be beatin, but with a cover like this, shes gone from being a role model for those in an abusive relationship, to a trashy singer like most are nowadays.
When can we stop focusing on all these celebrities and focus on the real issues in the world today? Maybe just maybe each and everyone of you who posts such random hate or support for such a stupid cause will then stop hating the world around us and use your passionate opinions to do some good in the world.
Grow up, all of you! You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Does this really impact any of us, James?
Yes, the impact is all around us. Children see and hear things they should not be seeing and hearing (no matter how well-taught they are by their parents, no matter how well-attentive their parents are). When pre-school children are fighting with one another because "you can't talk to him. He's my boyfriend!" and kidnergartners are bringing guns to school to "teach the haters a lesson," then WE ALL ARE IMPACTED by the imagery and "entertainment" world teaching our children.
Parents can do their best to shelter their children and instill good values and morals, but society is larger and more prevelant and influential than one, two, three, or four parents. The world our kids are living in is dangerous, not just physically but also emotionally, spiritually, and sensually!
Wait until one of the teens this is marketed to tries to do the same thing with real barbed wire as opposed to material that is made up to look like barbed wire.
Her audiance is probably made up of more tweens and teens than any other age group, so for those who hype marketing what is this saying to that age group. This is normal and acceptable? Follow me?
It's interesting that there are so many posts on this page... bottom line is this: she is an entertainer and the way she makes money is by getting attention to book events and promote her records. All of you who are complaining about her are doing just that – giving her attention. Either you buy her cd or your don't, and if you don't want your children looking up to her, then guide them in another direction. She is 21, and obviously isn't reaching out to a young demographic, anyway. There are too many other things going on to worry about – forget about her cd cover.
In my opinion, I do not care for a lot of her music, but I think she looks great and is doing well in her business: entertainment. Look at us, we're all talking about her!
It would be really interesting if it were real barbed wired, but it's only flexible plastic for effect... what a difference that makes. What a bore.
Personally, I don't care what she does. I just get tired of anyone who disagrees with a pretty woman being called "jealous" or "hater". Yes, she's beautiful. The cover is tasteless. Just because you're gorgeous doesn't mean that it's not tacky to expose yourself. If you want it, buy it. But don't call me names if I choose not to.
I believe it's very wrong to display yourself like that. It's disrespectful to her body to be showing herself to public. As a Christian, I can say I wouldn't ever put myself out like that. With respect towards all of you and towards Rihanna, I'll pray for all of you. Judging isn't right and based on several of the comments, most of us are doing just that.
I just wish women didn't have to use sex to sell as much as they do these days. What ever happened to class. We're setting such bad examples for young girls. We're teaching them that you won't get noticed unless you are over-the-top trashy.
We need a reset button to get back some diginity for women.
Rihanna Rocks, get a life haters!!!!!!!
OOOOhhh Y'all are hatersdont hate coz she is pretty
I dont know about the low self esteem thing, but she is steaming hot! Wonder if the music is any good?
I am a fashionshoot photographer and this is a PHENOMENON shot.
I don't see any problem with this.... She is so gorgeous..
VER TASTEFULLY DONE...
Way to go Rihanna
Trash then, trash now. At least musically.
Most of you making such negative comments about this beautiful young woman are obviously over 50. This is what is called "Art". It's beautiful and it represents she is becoming edgier. Hell if I had her body at my age of 35 I would wear barbed wire to work. LOL!!!
I bet her parents are very proud of her. This is just marketing to generate sales for her album. I've heard a few of her songs and am not very impressed. Her voice is annoying. Sex does sell and that is exactly what they are doing. Sad, really.....
It reminds me a lot of that ridiculous Halle Berry costume from that horrible Catwoman movie. I guess it's true those who don't study history are bound to repeat it.
All of you are making a fuss over something that isn't serious. At all. Do you think Rihanna or her produces thought as deeply as you are about this photo album cover? She's been prancing around half-nude for a while now. This isn't Rihanna re-inventing herself. It is Rihanna doing the same stuff that got her recognized in the first place.
Also: she may not be a great singer, but she -is- famous because of her singing. If she didn't sing, she wouldn't have been thrust into the spotlight. Now, her fame and recognition is a result of many different things, but her music was first and foremost the reason why we ALL know who Rihanna is today, whether you've listened to one of her songs or not.
Bottom line, sex sells! The CD will more than likely go thru the roof, I would say for those who have never heard this artist, will look at the cover and go..."Humm...sex sells".
It's the industry. It has nothing to do with her personality nor does it have to do with what she thinks. She has a promoter, a manager, and how many other people pulling her strings. Ya signed a contract, this is your obligation...here ya go!
I don't care what she's selling, I'll buy five of them.
WOW Ppl,
Just reading some of the responses...you all are a bit harsh on the young lady...don't cha think? Lets not be so judgemental abt each other. We haven't walked in her shoes, therefore we don't know WHY this cvr was done like it was. Just love her despite her flaws (for those of you who think this is flaw). Bottom line, yes she's naked, some may think it's distasteful, some may think it's beautiful.....but such is life. THANK GOODNESS ya'll aren't the ones making the final decision of who gets into Heaven or Hell!!
Have a GREAT DAY!!!!
Wow there must be alot of therapists commenting on this photo. I like it, and think it shows a stonger side to her.
What I find funny is all the "you go, girl" finger wavers in this place. "She a fighter, yo". Give me a break with that. Looks like she likes a little pain! It doesn't take strength to call the police when you get the snot beat out of you.
wow! I've never seen so many comments before on any story. Too bad the important things can't get this much attention. Just might change the world. God bless
seriously, why do people even care. Does this really impact any of you here?
What's the big deal?
The girl doesn't have breasts!
– She's almost flat chested..!!
LOW LOW LOW SELF ESTEEM>>!!!!!!
What is wrong with you people?? She is in the music business which is all about ENTERTAINMENT. I think she's a very beautiful young lady and that if she feels comfortable enough in her own skin to take a photo like this for her album cover, so be it. Afterall, it's just a photo. It's not like she's performing in barbed wire. Nobody made a big deal when Jennifer Aniston when she posed on the cover of a magazine wearing nothing but a tie.
Parents, if you can't teach your children from entertainment and reality, what does that say about you?
I believe she has dealings with witch craft just by how she carries her self . I mean i am from the caribbean and because i made it big in america i have to strip my clothing alomost to less to please the culture. I think she can do better than that clearly to tell you the truth she is really embarrassing the caribbean.
Cat!
You go girl!
Get all these liberal CNN'ers riled up, hilarious to hear democrats and liberals justify and respond to things with their liberal logic! (or lack there of)
I love it.
The only thing she has going for her now is she is dating Timberlake
i think its a bold statement,,,she looks fabolous as usual and i am looking forward to her new album...ppl shouldnt hate on her,,its unfortunate that she had to endure those things she did and i dont think she has low self esteem at all i think she tryingto show us through all that she is a strong survivor.. now i dont agree with her choice of clothing these days but i can assure u that somebody doesnt like what ur wearing today and is surely saying u have low self esttem because of ur choice of style....i bet ur either fat or uncomfortable with urself to say something like that
TRASH! She hast turned to pure trash!
i think rihanna is posing in the this picture the way she is because is letting people know that even with what she been through with chris brown she's not gonna stop and she's coming twice as hard. am i right people? i still dont like her but oh well.
barbados bombshell.
I love Rihanna! What a great photo. I can't wait for the album to come out.
Rihanna is awesome. She wears an barbed wire and isn't afraid of anything.
I say if that is art, then I am Picasso....I don't hate her, just find her and
the like disgusting. I guess the music wouldn't stand on it's own merit.
I think she is using her photo to visually express what she POSSIBLY could have experienced in her relationship with Chris Brown, or she could be subconsciously expressing that she is suicidal. The photo is very dark, she's tied up with barb wire, the image of the blade screams mutilation, and we all know what russian roulette means...she's playing with death or she's fascinated with death. On the other hand, when you look at the photo very lightly you can see that Rihanna is a beautiful young lady who is utilizing her music, photos, and body as a form of expression which is what most artists do.
I have never been a fan, but for those who have the body, I commend them all. However, I would rather not see Rhianna's body or anybody else for that matter. Leave something to the imagination and don't give in to the $$$. Does this picture change her sound, NO!
PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!!!!!!!!!!
Just more vulgarians at the gate.
I don't see a problem with her cover. She is always wearing unique outfits.
We've become so desensitized to violent or erotic imagery that artists, and I use the term loosely, have to prostitute themselves like this just to keep from being ignored. This says more about US than it does about Rihanna. She's just eye candy with a little talent; she's not famous for her music, she's famous for her glamour. I've never even heard a Rihanna song, but I sure as heck know who she is. Why? Marketing and image. Is it right? Who knows, all I can say is that it sells. However, it does make me wonder what they're going to have to escalate to when images like this become passe.
be the change.... Self esteem has nothing to do about "having the guts" to look like a slut.
Rhianna is being the change she wants to see in the world.
Listen up everyone can't you see that she is an entertainer. I don't agree with the picture, but she is in business to make money just like everyone else, and how she makes her money depends on how well her records sell in this instance.
Many may feel that it is tasteless but it sells. Statistics has proven that sex and violence sells, be it movies, music, shows or what have you.
It is strictly a promotional stunt.
What does self esteem have to do with promoting a product...
I think the cover is great!
People see what they want to see.
And they often allege a darker, uglier side in others when more often than not, they're afraid to cast the same judgemental gaze into a mirror to see themselves for the hypocrites they are.
That's not an accusation aimed at Rihanna but at some many of the people commenting on the article.
I clicked the link because I saw "R rated" in the headline. I figured I'd get to see a pretty girl who was pretty much naked. I have always enjoyed looking a pretty naked girls.
Those who are critical of her posing this way should wonder if they would pose that way too if someone offered you a LOT of money to do it. Think about it. She is pretty, but there are fifty million girls in shopping malls right now who would be just as pretty with the same make-up and hair-styling. Most of them could be taught to sing as well, pout at the camera as well, and dance as well in six months.
The difference between a Hollywood success like Rihanna (I had to scroll to the headline to remember her name) and most other pretty American young women is packaging. Without an agent, a publicity guy, a makeup artist, a choreographer, a song writer, and a fashion consultant, Rihanna would just be another pretty girl testing the makeup at the local mall.
i forgot...put it together ppl...remember its about branding and a consistent msg: Rated R, Russian Roulette, Rihanna w/ barb wire around her breasts..its about the overall msg ppl
Absolutely – JMoney – it is marketing. And, as a marketing journalist, yes it is exploitation of her body to sell the product – the CD. Don't confuse marketing with art, folks. If you think it is beautiful, or bold...she is simply using her assets to draw attention, to market her CD. We cannot know by looking whether she is willing to exploit herself, or whether she is being influenced by a manager (or other)who is exploiting her for his gain. Either way – cannot see how it is a good message to send to teens either male or female about respecting themselves – or their girlfriends/wives.
This song ROCKS..... listen to it. ANOTHER HIT FOR RI !!!http://rihannanow.com/
Who are the people who are advising her and decided that the cover was a good thing?
Yes, the album cover will get people talking but come now, how many parents are going to allow their kids to purchase this. I know they are many that will say that she caters to the "older" kids but a lot of tweens also listen to her music. I can't see stores promoting this album by placing it in their store windows, front of the store. It will be a search and find mission.
The album cover could have been done more tastefully without having the artist appear like a fetish entertainer or as an ad in an S&M magazine.
Well, first of all Rihanna should not be setting an example for any of your children, you should. When I was growing up, no start set an example for me.
Second who would let their child of 12 listen to a rated R music cd in the first place.
Wake up, parents need to be the ones raising their children and they should not look to anyone else as an example.
If the young woman wants to wear barbed wire, so be it.
I my youth their have been worst album covers that that,
how about the nude woman on "The Ohio Players" cover many moons ago. Was this woman trying to be a role model, no was not.
A cover is a cover and it is to sell volumes to the public, nothing more
or less.
If you let your children watch the rap videos with half nude women grinding into something or another, what will shock them about this?
And aren't the adults suppose to supervise their children anyway?
Be for real people... so many throwing stones and they are probaly just as trashy and freaky behind closed doors. Don't comment on this business woman until you get your BUSINESS right. Losers.
Cat,
I disagree. She has a very high self esteem. A very beautiful and cofident woman. Good for her!
Get a grip folks...I can think of many folk are are the epitome of righteousness in public, but deviants when the doors are closed. What's indecent about breast? Many of you all actually have them. Maybe if folk weren't so hung up about our bodies, less stuff like this would be put out for shock value and there'd be fewer deviants in this world...
We continue to question why our young people have blurred lines between what is and is not acceptable. The answers are in the music, the album covers, the television shows, the movies, ........ they repeat what they see and hear. Solid "old school" values taught at home are all to often overshadowed by explicit language, dress, behavior, etc.
You who say "So what? It's just a cd cover" are missing the fact that millions of young girls (like it or not) are watching what this girl does. It's pathetic how this young woman decides to portray herself. Her desire to shock at all costs is sad. Especially as she was the victim of violent abuse.
And people talk about the world we live in today, and ask what is happening to our young people! Here is a perfect example!
Trouble is right. If she was supposed to be coming off as strong she should have been holding a whip not being the one in bondage. Whether she has the body or not is completely irrelevant. Wrong message.
"The haters only hate because they are jealous."
Beautiful picture of a beautiful woman.
Visual imagery has taken the place of music in the industry today. While artists of yesteryear, take Led Zep for instance, certainly had their image, after nearly 40 years, their music and even their names hold up. I ask you, who will remember todays "stars" .. in the year 2050?
She looks awesome in the picture and can rock the look so I say go her. Let her look this good while she still can.
As art, the image is beautiful – but a large part of its intensity lies in the pain and contradiction it evokes. I love Rihanna, and I hope she doesn't think that this is solely an image of strength, because that would diminish how complex and powerful it really is. Strength, vulnerability, pain and pleasure can all exist in the same photo.
She wears an 80's disco hair style, gets a gun tat after having the hell beaten out of her, and seriously, I've never thought she was attractive. She is nothing more than another Madonna or Lady GaGa wanna be, "if you ignore my talent, then let me nude up so I'll still have you talking about me, because it's the only other asset I can sell you." Disgusting. I find her repulsive.
She is a pretty girl but seems to me to portray herself in a Slutty way. All hip hop isn't like that but she always dresses that way I guess she is trying to be sexy and I just think it makes her seem slutty. I quess she is in the mentality of that is what is cool. Gang banger/low life kinda like Little Kim.
CAT you are the one that has low self esteem
She is pretty damn hot and you r likely some uptight #%$^@
that gets no men
Rhianna has been through a lot
If only Cat could look like that!!
See my point here is I am judging u Cat by what you said not knowing u
Just like u did to Rhianna- Hows it feel
Lighten up
And people about the world we live in today, and ask what is happening to our young people! There you go!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:
Everyone is talking.
Now go buy that album.
Thanks again for proving us to be geniuses!!!
Yours truly,
Def Jam
—Is she white or black ? I can not tell from that picture?—
She's "whack"
So if the incident w/ Chris Brown never happened..what would ALL of ur guys comment b then? What would be ur justification for her "low self-esteem"? Get the hell outta here! Obviously none of you are in the industry of marketing/public relations/advertising or the like..she has a cd that she is selling, the cover is nothing more than a way to stick to a consistent msg. 8 times outta 10, this wasnt her idea u very smart ppl (lol) if u have an issue w/ the cover call Def Jam and find out who does the marketing/adversting
Jai
P.S. graduate of Scripps school of journalism, im very sure of myself and my analysis
I'm somewhat astonished at people defending Rihanna by saying she's a "musician" or an "artist". Puh-leeze. She's a puppet of the entertainment industry. I doubt she has anywhere near the amount of creative control over her "work" as, say, Alison Krauss (who, by the way, is a REAL artist, musician, and role model). As for Rihanna, King Solomon discovered the truth about women like her more than 3000 years ago. "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion."
Cat, your comment doesn't make any sense. How can the execution of an artistic visual imply anything about Rihanna's self-esteem or the personalities of the men who surround her? As a professional model myself, my self-esteem is high and I've posed for a variety of risque or alternative-looking campaigns and I am engaged to a wonderful man with no aggressively misogynistic attitudes or behavior. If Rihanna was getting smacked across the face on the cover, then I'd say your comment would be relevant.
She is a beatiful girl but one thing is for sure...if she is gonna flaunt her body like that then yes she might have a self esteem problem. take it from somebody who has been there before. i am a normal 19 yr old, in the Navy and i have very low self esteem because of the things my family and guys put me through. i was abused since i was 6 y/owhich is why i have no self esteem. if that is what makes her feel good about herself then so be it. its what used to make me feel good to. sooner or later she will realize that it is only gonna hurt her more. trust me i know.
awww... how awsome of her! [:
ITS ENTERTAINMENT PEOPLE. IF YOU LIKE.....FINE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT.....then don't buy her music or watch her videos.
301 comments...
Goooooooooooooooooo Riri!
The girl's young, she having fun. Leave her alone
She is an artist.
This is called artistic freedom and to me looks like
she is not going to take anyone's crap anymore.
This shows a strong, sexy women.
There is alot of hip hop covers that
show sexy, weak women instead.
Where's women's lib?
this is not the image she needs to give the young and impresionable fans. No decency or self respect anymore. No wonder her male choices do what they do.
I also think Rihanna is in the WRONG industry. If people want that type of pictures i'm sure people know where to get it. But if you are selling music, please give me some real music! That's all.
Its amazing to me how women fear eachother's sexual boldness...why does a sexually confident = trash/low selfesteem?? I love my own skin and myself...I immediately thought the cover was very strong....and lets not forget Rhianna attacked Chris Brown as well..none of it was excusable, but it happens to young people who think they are in love and lack guidance..why not assume she's learned a lesson about her own strength and independence?? Why assume she gets what she deserves by having a cover like this on her CD....and to those that says her cover involkes violence against women I say get a grip!!!! I dont see you asking nbc to take off law and order, or other tv shows that show and glamorize violence against women give me a break....
LOL at the self esteem comments...Seriously...Like one of the post on here already says...Major Label Influence...Making Music has got to make money...
I personally would still take Rihanna out on a date and then some...LOL
She needs help a good therapist, It is a terrible image to portray. Its not clever at all.
She's not a very good singer but she's pretty. Personally i like a few of her tunes but I really find her voice irritating. I thinks its too bad that she uses sex and violence – i.e. the barbed wire – with its association with prison and being held captive or prisoner – to sell her records.
October 20th, 2009 12:55 pm ET
'I would bet that most of the people who think the photo is nice are likely immature, ghetto trash who lack any moral guidance in their lives. And please spare us the tired ebonic cliches, (e.g. "Don't hate", "You go girl")."
Actually I'm a white kid from a middle class neighborhood in chicago and I have no problem with her showing her body on an album cover. how bout you take your thinly veiled racist bull back to the bible belt where you and other old, fat ignorant hicks can talk about jesus and hating gays and minorities. oh and btw, spare us the tired redneck cliches like "moral guidance" NEWS FLASH, its a free country, your morals aren't my or anyone else's morals, my morals involve freedom of expression and equality for everyone, id be willing to bet yours involve telling other people what they can and can't do, i don't even care for rihanna but i hope this album goes to number one to spite you prude, ignorant, armchair pyschologists who have nothing better to do than rip on someone whos accomplished ten times more than you ever have or will by the age of 21.peace
Yum, Yum, and double-Yum! Let me notify all my friends!
she needs to get herself together ....
Why is anyone trying to surmise how she is from this photo? Which was probably not even her idea?
To me she always look s as if she was trying to bring back all the horrible fashion from the 80s...........please who wants that!
Gosh, Women are such haterz!!! Just because you want to look sexy and make a statement does not mean you have low self esteem!!! My goodness she only showing a little breast!!! Get over it ppl! If you can't handle it.....Move to Russia, China or Iraq!!! DO YOUR THING RIHANNA!!!!
Sex Sells. She has an amazing figure and she is very talented. Everyone one has problems. That cover alone will jump record sales. Thats what this is all about, its a business. More money in her pocket and anyone who is attached to it. This is the new society people get used to it.
It's one thing to be confident in your physical appearance, it's another to be confident in yourself as a person (regardless of what you look like).
She's obviously showing great confidence in her physical appearance here, but I can completely understand why others are questioning her confidence and self-esteem in other areas.
Some men don't view pictures like this as a woman showing she's in charge of her life or that she's flaunting her femininity. Instead photos such as this are viewed with lust in mind from the perspective of a young male in his prime.
I'm not hating on women when they do this, but if I could just let them know; men are looking at you all the time. You're being undressed by the eyes of males everywhere. In the workplace, your boss, co-worker, maintenance man, UPS/ FedEx delivery man, etc... are all checking you out unbeknownst to your person. Showing off your body doesn't give the impression that you're strong and confident, it just amplifies a man's drive to have sex.
I understand the ways of Pop culture and that this is usually the only way to sell albums, but I'd like to see more women flaunt their confidence or control by not using sexual eye candy.
That's barbed wire, the song is Russian Roulette. Strange and violent.
i want to see her in Playboy
i think the entertainment business is ridiculous, celebs??? they are people just like we are but got lucky but having other making money off them shes got a nice voice so why waste her time trying to make yet another disturbing image of herself MONEY that whole business is always about money she doesnt care what you people think shes gonna walk out of this situation with a lot of money and thats all she cares dont let this pic fool you if you agree or disagree with it in the end who is gonna end up living the rich life is her the more attention people give to celes the more money they make and the more they will try to do to have an image out there this is all so ridiculous you pay me as much as they pay her to have an album cover like that ill sure say yes so dont waste your time trying to say if shes got self esteem or not because it doesnt really matter in the end shes gonna be the winner and you will still be talking about her losers
say what you want but one fact remains.....
that is one hell of a SPONGE!
Too much, really – she is beautiful with or without clothing – not flattering and almost shocking in a bad way – made me sad to see it. Would have been more interesting if she were with Justin Timberlake... that would show Chris...
damn she is hot
id still hit it!
She posed like that hoping to get a controversial reaction and invite criticism. She WANTS a reaction. It worked....but its an overdone tactic in the music industry.
If this is art what is the artist statement? It is not wrong to question art, if that's what this is, but without a deeper message this is just another soft porn marketing ploy *yawn*. IS she a strong woman with a message? Or is she another victim of the music industry pushing the idea that young women are little more then T&A to be used? She is a beauty for sure but young beauties are so often exploited.
If Rihanna was actually talented and would write her own songs then maybe i can understand where she is going with this cover. But the fact is, she is just an instrument to sale records. Which agrees with Cat, she is just young and stupid, she is told what to do, and will use her body for any means to sell. I feel bad for parents who have to deal with their kids buy my sanity does not allow me to justify her cover.
interesting what we define as entertainment. women are still being objectified and women still seem willing to accept the role.
Seriously, its just a cover. All you people are getting stressed out about an album cover. None of us know Rihanna personally and therefor can't come to a single conclusion as to why she chose to present herself the way she did...and it really isn't our business.
SO far this entire conversation is pretty dense if you ask me. So a picture on a CD cover tells you everything about a person? I think not. The picture is used to sale CD's, and to promote the artist, not describe who they are as a person. Its who they want you to see. Do you really think that the person you see on the CD cover , or in the videos for that mater, is REALLY who the artist is in real life. Honestly I have listened to her music and thus far I am not at all impressed.
BDSM is now hot? Whoever advised her to do this poorly conceived cover needs to be deported.
Illuminati wants my mind, soul, and my body. I'm sure she thanks God in the liner notes for her suggestive selling of sex to a global youth. Bound me, choke me, poke me. Wake up.
If that's art I'm f-in Picasso! Trash!
What is the issue? She looks terrible in this cover pic. She's selling sex, there is no news here. Is she going to star in Batwoman II next?
I think she looks great. When you look good it's enjoyable to push the envelope. It's a beautiful picture.
Hey JSL,
It's not Rihanna's job to be a role model, her job is to be an entertainer. It's out jobs as parents to be the role models to our children. I think the cover looks good and it shows her strength as a young woman. Good cover Rihanna.
"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
As any kind of celebrity, like it or not, you are influencing the youth of this country; be a responsible don't tell our daughters that appearing nade on the cover of an album is what it means to be beautiful.
Yes sex sells, but it also kills (i.e. AIDS, abortion). Lets not continue to make sex a commodity.
I would be embarrassed if my daughter were photographed in such a way.
Hey – Denise Quan, writer of the story – about your editorialized comment in the story: how crazy are you?
Try this: in the sadomasochistic cover photo she seems to be saying: I LIKE TO BE TIED UP WITH BARB WIRE AND BEAT.
It's more sick stuff perpetrated on women. Thanks, Rihanna and Denise Quan, for nothing!
Someone like Rihanna will make any old grump woman jealous or some men who can not have be haters. So I can understand the negative comments. Go Ri.
Very nice. Thanks Rihanna!
This girl will go far no matter what. I saw her in concert and she was much better than I expected. She is a very talented singer/entertainer and she rocked!
People may have negative comments about this picture but whether they like it or not SHE WILL do well.
Please remember that what Chris Brown did to her is not her fault. It bothers me that everyone is trashing her because of it. Shame on all of you! What if it was your daughter that it happened to? Would you want people judging your child because of some idiot guy who should be locked up for a LONG TIME!! Please people!
The truth is our society is decaying rapidly. I am a 31 year old male and I have to say as much as I think Rihanna is pretty, this image is really troubling. What’s more troubling is the fact that people are celebrating it. This is the reason why America lags the rest of the developed world in education. We have become sheep and are sadly being led by these so called stars that have neither brains nor taste. If some school girl not named Rihanna had taken this photo most people here hailing Rihanna would be hurling insults. Instead Rihanna does it and its great. Women like Rihanna are setting women back. Whether women like it or not, the Rihanna's of America are the women young girls look up to and I wish these fools would realize that they should live up to a higher standard. Hollywood and the Entertainment industry are pushing the envelope too far. There has to be a time we should think about our neighbor and restrain ourselves.
I say get rid of the barbed wire, and you have yourself a photo! YAO!!
Pop star poses in revealing clothing. In other news, water is discovered to be wet. And later, what religion is the pope? The answer may surprise you.
Wrap yourself up in barbed wire naked and see how it feels! This photo gives the message that pain and violence against women is sexy and cool. I am disgusted and think she and her pimp managers need to get some class. The youth in our society eat this stuff up. We need better.
It's quite telling that most posters here have much to say about a photo, but know nothing of this artists' music.
huh..whats wrong with the picture? This wouldnt be a issue if she didnt get a beat down.
First of all it's an album cover people, it's designed to sell and guess what? Sex sells. Secondly: If you are looking for role models for your youth, look in the mirror. You are the one who should be setting the standards for your children and not relying on singers, rappers, actors, or athletes. They are doing their jobs, you're the parent, do YOURS! And finally to anyone that believes that if you dress a certain way, you 'deserve' to be raped, beaten or abused, think again. NO ONE deserves that treatment and your statements speak volumes about the lack of knowledge and abundance of ignorance that you all share.
notice one eye has a strap around it and part of the R is shaped like a pyramid. shes a tool of the illuminati
I guess some of you have never heard of Madonna or Lady Gaga?
It is difficult to handle the shame and confusion she might be in, let along deal with a character not fully developed, incapable to handle so much pressure at her career level.
I most cases they are just a product for someone else. She needs to be reaffirmed and validated as a person and as a woman, so that she can develop and like Tina snap out of the abusive relationship. She is going through all these emotions right now, that most of us will not be able to handle if we were in her shoes, and what she is really saying is HELP!
Entertainers are people too. I do not agree with she is doing, but I can see beyond that
Creative cover? Just another naked chick in this day and age. Boobies, that it? Nothing going on here either.
I also disagree with the no self esteem comment. She is an artist, and the purpose of art, whether through music, visual images, etc. is to provoke a response or strong reaction, positive or negative, which clearly she has successfully done based off of the many comments made on this story. I think she's great and shouldn't have to apologize for who she is or how she chooses to represent herself.
damn, like the attitude
I totally agree she's beautiful I'm so sick of woman who claim because a woman poses like Rihanna is there looking for it she is pulling herself up and saying I won't let anyone bring me down.
I think she's confident. However, what an unfortunate missed opportunity to deposit something positive into the lives of the girls who are watching her. More sex, dominatrix, and darkness. She could say so much more. I can only imagine the lyrics, more "let me do ya," is not what society needs. Mary J Blige should speak with her!
She, beyonce, schicria, etc, can not sing so they use their l0oks and body to make up for their short coming as singers. ask janet
"Isn't this the girl that was just beaten up by her boyfriend? She apparently hasn't learned yet that you put violent imagery out to the world that is what you will get back into your life threefold. She also is saying that it is OK for women in general to be on the receiving end of sexual abuse.Yucko."
You've got to be kidding. Where's the violence in this image? She's not in pain, she isn't being physically or sexually assaulted in it...look at her facial expression, it certainly isn't a look of pain. she's not "bound" by the barbed wire, she's wearing it as a garment. She's saying sexual abuse is ok?! You are so very off base. I'm not a fan of hers/her music i just checked this out from boredom. That being said – you are projecting your own issues and agendas into the meaning of this photo.
All I can say I have seen enough naked to make me puke..if sex sells why are the guys fully clothed......Beyonce gets my respect,she has a lot of class, Rhiana can buy some from her, don't get me wrong she is a beautiful young lady, but I wouldn't want her for a role model for my daughter.
I read the argument of "Sex Sells" being bandied about as a justification of the cover. –Doesn't selling sex equate to prostitution?
I'm not calling Rhianna a prostitute, but I think the argument is dopey.
I think the cover is tawdry, but I don't really find it shocking or interesting.
I have nothing against sexually confident women–I rather like them, in fact. However, the S&M imagery is a bit questionable in this case. The cover seems more like a marketing ploy than something Rhianna would have picked on her own.
In order for Art to have merit, the artist needs to be making a conscious statement. What exactly is Rhianna trying to say with this image? Perhaps she should have been holding a whip instead of being tied up.
"In the cover photo, she seems to be saying, "I'm a survivor, I'm strong, I'm sexy – don't mess with me!" " Is that what you really think Denise Quan? Oh CNN, how low you have fallen. Since when is it relevant to have a journalist comment or suggest what another individual's actions mean?
I think that no one has any right to judge her. she looks good on the cover and its her descision if she wants to wear clothes or barbed wire; i also suggest you people who are judgemental look in the mirror.i mean seriously get a life and instead of conversating on hers, i'll bet she'll greatly appreciate it
Why are you ganging on Cat? That's her opinion. Showing your tits doesn't prove self-esteem. It proves something else. Let me put it this way. Do you remember those girls in HS who dressed overly sexy to go to their math class? Or these admins or female co-workers that advance in the workplace just because of their look and since they know that, they use it? My girl is beautiful and very smart, and yet she refuses to dress in the way so that her body can be shown... even though I have requested it once in the while...lol
Any girl in the world can take off her top and pose like that. How is this a "statement" of anything "powerful"? This poor girl was blessed with beauty and talent, but sells herself cheap to men who beat her up and demean her. This picture is just one more step down the ladder for her. There is nothing "uplifting" about this portrait and it certainly doesn't convey anything but bondage to me. More of the same for this lost child.
Everyone please shhhh.
She looks hot. I'm a young woman and I don't look up to celebrities because my parents taught me better than that. If your daughter is trying to emulate people like Rihanna, Lady Gaga & Beyonce, its only because you epically failed as a parent in teaching them about self image, respecting themselves & appreciating their uniqueness. It's an album cover and I've seen worse spreads in high fashion magazines like Vogue & Bazaar. It's not like she walked down the street like that. JEEZ.
And really at the end of the day it's all about the $. And she's making lots of them.
She cant sing without using auto-tune
Not too fond of the cover but Rhi Rhi's choice. Did anyone stop and realise that she is wearing something under the "Barbed" wire. The wire does not look like the real thing anyway.
However it is her artistic choice
I think she looks great!
#1. It's entertainment
#2. She's a beautiful young woman
#3. Remember Cher??
#4. Remember Madonna??
#5. It's funny when women hate on other beautiful women.
#6. It means that you're so perfect that you could judge others.
#7. You're pathetic.
#8. Get a life or go the gym, it might boost YOUR self-esteem.
#9. Envy is one of the 7 deadly sins.
#10. STOP BEING A EFFING HATER!!!!!
It's entertainment, It's raw, It's exciting. Has nothing to do with her self esteem accept maybe she is high on life right now. Its not trashy. It's simply art
ppls on here is such hater get a life > she da hottest chick in da game rite now and i love her >>>>and so wat if u got beat up its call life and things like this happend in life..U LOSER
Typical response of juveniles to confuse criticism of pop culture and its potential for negative influences on young people with jealousy. Not exactly – sooner or later one hopes that Rhianna's apologists here will develop opinions from the grey matter rather than the hindbrain.
Rihanna needs all the help she can get. Until recently i followed her journey in the music world from a young and sweet artist in her first two albums. Then to a sexy vixen in her last album. But this new Rihanna is very dark, depressed and her song russian roulette is suicidal and i fear for anybody in the same state of mind to react to the message of the song.
This girl needs help. Nothing edgy or sexy about suicide, ask those parents who have buried their children due to suicide.
Jealousy, jealousy!!!! Bad for business..Brian and Dave C-NJ I love what you said. And for all the rest that don't have anything better to do, go sit down and let her be... You go Rihanna show that body.. some of ther wish they had one like your.. Barbados in the house..
Fay Howell..
So are strippers and porn stars just displaying "confidence in their bodies"? Give me a break. Its trashy, it hurts the young girls AND men in our society, and it does nothing to promote any kind of value. Which, by the way, we are in desperate need of in this country.
She is hot amongst iranian men!!! We "think" about her atleast once a day.
Rhianna is an artist and her picture looks like Art work. All the ignorant comments about her self esteem is truly ignorant. She looks great in this picture.
to drredd –
So are you for judging people. I believe that is God's job, not yours.
stop hating people, let her be. she's making money, she's past the abuse and it's time for her to do her. do you honestly think that any of your negative comments is going to change it? If you never bought her cd before, do you think that picture will make you buy it now. However if you like the 1st cd, it doesn't matter what she wearing on cover of her 2nd, it can be cow dung far as I care.
It looks like a Grace Jones picture from the 80s. LOL
Jason, Loved the COmment. We display Jesus in on the bloody mess he was in when he died on the cross, but cat stand it when we watch how he got that way in Passion of the Christ. Let me take a trip to the Guggenheim and see naked photos and torture, but this we just decry...wow... just goes to show cant please everyone all the time.
Dimmu Borgir already did that album cover. Years ago
cat you are completely right!
based on that picture, she obviously also has a cat and two dogs, oh! and also based on that picture i can tell her favorite color is green and she is wearing red pumps.
*rolls eyes*
its a very creative cover. don't turn it into something its not.
I LOVE IT! She must me getting a rise out of yall to have all these comments with just releasing a cover! go head Rihallah..
a great role model for tweens.
glad I never had kids.
We still live in that age? "No wonder she hangs out with men who beat her up. Based on that picture she has obviously very low self esteem." That's like saying well she was raped because she was dressed like that. Give me a break! I hope you never have to go through what she went through only to have folks judge you and deem it okay because of the way you dress.
She's not looking like she has any *self-esteem* issues. She's saying, "Don't mess with me boy, you'll get hurt!"
Rush Limbaugh can't buy a football team but this trash will be displayed in the stores at eye level for all children to see. The hypocracy in this country disgusts me. I imagine the music is as tasteless as the cover.......
I think her cover is the perfect blend of soft female beauty and a rough tough kick a** woman! She has overcome so much this past year and has empowered many woman who have been abused by the hand of a man. I am so proud of her strength! You go girl! Show the world a beautiful woman can be tough!!
All of you self-righteous people going on and on about how she is going to corrupt kids need to remember that everything starts at home. If you take an interest in your kids and raise them with morals this will not corrupt them. Instead of sheltering them from "Rihanna" why don't you talk to them about it and see how your kid feels. Then explain what is wrong with it. Also Rihanna is an adult in a free society. If she wants to express herself this way, it is her right to do so. Who are we to judge?
She's just whoring herself out to make money. No different from a street-walker, who cares? Beats her alternative of not making money right?
If you don't like the pic or her, don't buy it. She is free to put crap out there and you are free to not buy it. What exactly is the issue here? I'm not seeing it.
I agree the photo is probably meant to stir the pot and get people talking it and possibly buying it the label hopes. Beyond that all of you people saying it is the wrong image being presented to your kids you need to check your parenting skills. I recall growing up being raised by my parents not entertainers! You do you all not realize that if you teach your kids well right from wrong it does not matter what these entertainers do they will see it them for who and what they are and not be influenced by their actions. Shouldn't YOU the parent be your childs greatest role model? Don't expect these people to be more to your kids than you are.
She is going to be really hot if she does not get right before God.
Chill out people!! It's just an album cover and she has nothing exposed. How in the world can somone say she has low self esteem based on the album cover? Some of you are such haters.
The look fits the album title.
Stop hating people!!!
What a strong photo. Not only is she flaunting her femininity, but she is also letting the world know who is in control and who can endure more. This is art, in no way, shape, or form is she disrespecting herself and females. Pictures like these are what represent the strength or women, not only in daily life, but in the entertainment industry.
I am very proud of women like Rihanna who, despite being in times of adversity, can still hold her head up high and be proud of herself.
I just read that Jessica Simpson's new CD cover is going to feature her naked midsection wrapped only in strategically placed strips of Canadian bacon.
I do not see anything wrong with it. If that's how she wants to be portrayed its her decision. Its like a college students wearing shorts with juicy or sexy on the back side. If someone calls them trashy or slutty they can not complain because that is how they are portraying themselves. If your happy with doing pictures like this I say the more power to you, just live with your actions.
I get so sick of hearing about poor Rihanna was so abused. She knew Chris had a temper and she purposely tried to push his temper on many occasions. She even hit him on many occassion including during a trip overseas. She wanted to get him to react. Women who do that deserve what they get when they purposely try to push a man over the edge or hit him.
I don't get it?? Can she sing?? Who cares about her personal life.
Either buy it or don't.
The cover says "I'm a survivor, I'm strong, I'm sexy – don't mess with me!..please please please please PURCHASE my record".
YAWN
The picture is a bit much and I don't like it at all however, I don't think
it has anything to do with her self image. Whoever manages her career or did the wardrobe for the album had more input than Rihanna. They did this to sell records.
She's a very attractive girl but this costume get up just doesn't become her. She's too pretty to be seen in this fashion.
I think only selective people would like this....if you know what I mean.
Everyone keeps making the statement that her cover is based on bondage. Well it could mean that she's wrapped herself up in barbed wire to keep people away. That's GENERALLY what barbed wire does. We can speculate about what she was "trying to convey" all day long. We don't know what SHE was trying to say. Anyway, her flaunting her body is no different than Brittney Spears, Ciara, and all the other female artists. We're living in a world where sex sells. If you don't want your child to see it then I suggest you put your tv on the Disney channel. The problem with this society is that we think we know what other people are thinking or doing. You don't know squat. Unless you're a close personal friend you're getting the information straight from the media. Oh wait, they're so reliable too! Either buy the CD or don't.
I'm going to dress my 11 year old like that for halloween. Thank you Rhianna!!
Rihanna has a huge forehead, plus she looks weird. Pathetic picture.
lmao, if one tenth buy her record out of everyone that posted here then she has a hit on her hands!
Her and beyonce are a bad influence on young girls.Wait till your daughter comes home wanting to be like her. Pray her to get her mind right.Just plain weird.
Just because she has a racy doesn;t mean that she has low self esteem. she is just trying to promote her album. judging her by her outside apperance alone is wrong and it says more about your own self esteem than hers.
Ho hum...news this ain't. Come on CNN, stick to the real news. Let the fools like Fox deal with the unimportant fluff.
She looks hot! She has the body to pull it off. The human body is just beautiful and in my personal opinion there is nothing immoral about it. What is interesting to me is that somebody at some point created a rule and then eveybody follows it. The body is just beautiful. Women breasts are beautiful. I am still not sure why some people find them ofensive to be even partially exposed. We men expose them all the time. LOL. It is funny to me to watch TV and to see double D breasts with blurred nipples. Then, magically, as the nipples are blurred, the breats all of a sudden become moral again when the nipple is only about 5% of the total breast area. Perhaps, in my humble opinion, what is good or bad is just a decision in our head.
I am happy she is going for her dream and I enjoy watching her in her wonderfully unperfect humanity. If you happen to not like it for any reason I believe that is ok too. Just do not buy her CD but we certainly do not have to push against each other as to what is right or wrong. Let's all enjoy and if you do not like, then just do not look at it.
I hope she sells lots of records and I hope she realizes all of her dreams just as I wish on the rest of the world.
....comment: there are kids on this site....
Maybe they need to be in school and not goofing off on the computer.... and their parents need to be controlling what they are looking at.
Come on, everyone. She is a beauty no matter what she has not doesn't have on. Take it for what it is.
If you want to complain, do so about the idiot parents who lied about theirchild being in a reynolds wrap bubble!
i would never want my daughter or anyone i love to look like that!!
Just sounds like the majority of the women commenting on this have issues with their own self esteem. The picture is hot! Its not that different from what you would see on a beach today(except swimsuits r not barbed wire...lol).
Women need to stop hating each other. She just made it out of a bad time. Let her enojy her moment. If its that repulsive to you, close your damn eyes.
I love how people think she has lots of self esteem because she's willing to pose half-nude... based on that logic, porn stars have more self esteem then anybody...
It's a cover... Bashing it cause of what she is wearing or not wearing or even saying that is reflects on her as a person is like saying that covers with ppl killing and eating other ppl means they are obviously cannibals.
Art is art, even if YOU dont appriciate it.
As low as cat and Victoria think her self esteem may be, notice both took the time to click on the articles link and comment. Perhaps it is marketing that works? I could not name a single tune she has put out but I know who she is. Run along kiddees
Ok first of all, Jason, are you seriously comparing Rihanna's picture to peoples' worship of Christ?! That's ridiculous. While your right that people shouldn't judge, Rihanna is not a religious icon.
And I can see why people might think that she has low self-esteem portraying herself in such a way, and I won't dismiss you as ignorant. However, I have to disagree. This is just for publicity's sake to create buzz (like here) and up the sales. This probably has nothing to do with her personal feelings. You could even make the case that she must have self-esteem to do such a thing (I would disagree with that assertion as well). And maybe it's not the best image for kids, I would even say that it's crude at best, but what are you going to do? She's obviously not the first. It happens all of the time (not that it makes it right).
And Niki, you're right that kids shouldn't look up to entertainers, but that doesn't mean they don't. People in the position of celebrity should be more mindful. I wish that kids would look up to people like their parents, scientists, humanitarians, teachers, but unfortunately that's not often the case.
Please stop hating, if you looked like her, you'd be show stopping as well, no woman asked to be beat, stop being mean! When is the last time any of you could pose for a photo like tha, not that you would ,of course, all you high esteem people!
She's got to shock because vocally, her songs sound the same, not a large vocal range. So if she can't stand by her talent, she's got to sell out
Whoring for propaganda as usual as with all entertainers male and female. Most of them would die if that papparazzi stopped paying them attention there would sex tapes and DUI's and bar fights and sexual orientation swapping happening left and right just pay them some attention make them feel important!!!!!!
Mission: Accomplished. How else could she have gotten us all here debating what she did right or wrong?
If you think the barbed wire hurts, think how much money she is going to rake in.
If you think her outfit in the picture is okay, ask yourself how you would feel if she were your daugther.
If you think it's very bad to portray that image ask yourself how you can also get creative enough to make more money.
In the end, it is what it is – America the beautiful. Land of the free and home of the brave.
I don't care what any of you say. She's hot, the picture is hot, and has nothing to do with who she is or what kind of treatment she deserves. Chris Brown is a POS who hits women. Do you really think the theme for this picture was her idea? Doubtful, because when you're rich and famous, somebody else makes all the decisions....
wow at all the comments
i wonder if she and her team knew the reaction would be this...
wonder what the reaction would be had there not been the abuse saga
interesting commentry though
some very judgemental people in this world. quick to speak when all facts aren't on the table.
I feel that the imagery evokes the idea that she will always be beautiful regardless of the pain she endures. The barbed wire is not meant to be taken for a woman who enjoys being beaten. It could mean that the wire although painful will never wither her strong spirit. I don't see low self esteem there at all.
How many people would be surprised by their Duaghter Taking a photo like this for the world to see? Why does it make it ok to put something like this on display? *rhetorical questions* We grow up with a sense of right and wrong, and as we grow up we twist, and alter it according to our own reality... But the fact remains that even if you live in your own reality, the real world doesnt change according to your world. There is still right, and there is still wrong. This choice for an album cover is wrong.
It's rock and roll. there are so many people out there who want to push that type of look. I don't think it has to do about Brown, or her moving past it. It has to do with what sells and that's sex. She hasn't done the sex kitten routine fully yet so here it is – whatever...
there are kids on this site
fish is right...
She is hot, but she's no Esther Rolle.
I for one would love to help her self-esteem by showing her the masculine lovingkindess that she deserves. Self esteem is not a nasty disease, it's the result of mistreatment of others. It speaks less to the character of the person, and more to that of the perpetrators of mistreatment. Let's not be hasty to direct judgment. Low self esteem is not a crime, it's a state of mind. To boot, it's not one to hate another individual for...
She is a lost ball in the high wind! This pic is screaming I have no self-esteem!!! Please give me some attention.
Is there a reason that some of you want to attack the OPINION of someone else? So what if someone says she has low self-esteem. Instead of belitting the person, why not ask the person what about the photo has caused him/her to conclude that Rihanna has low self-esteem. This, "Don't be hating" stuff is pathetic. We can all have our own opinions on what the album cover says without being a jerk about it. Grow up.
^5 to those who recognized this photo for what it is...a marketing ploy by the record label to sale cd's. This had nothing to do with self esteem and porn??? (wonder if the dude that said that feels the same about brit, Christina and the wierdest chick out lady gaga?) doubt it. Also about this victim crap...I believe keep your hands to your self goes both ways (yes I'm a female and no I've never been hit and no I've never hit a man during an argument but if I ever do go that far you best believe I intend be prepared for him to defend hisself just as if I would if he hit me....now lets break down that whole incident...months before in london she was seen slapping him because she thought he was flirting with some chick...days later was seen throwing his phone in his face because she thought he was talking to some chick....driving down the street in a rented ferrari with a jealous crazy broad checking your phone again throwing it at you (while driving down a busy street) again then back hands you in the mouth for saying not to touch your phone again and you all wonder why he snapped????? SERIOUSLY?!?
I am a 52 year old woman and I am envious of her beauty. I wish I would have looked like that at a young age. Go, girl. If you have it flaunt it! She is stunning.
rihanna is soooo awsome
She's talented but I know 10 singers off the top of my head local that blow her away. It's a shame that who you know and what you look like sells.
So many of these comments made me laugh. A lot of people seem to be taking this so seriously! Sure, this cover was probably meant to shock but, shock just isn't as shocking as it used to be. I like some of her songs but, this is just kind of tacky. No...I'm not hating. I'm just giving my opinion. Relax.
WHAT is up with people today? We are the first ones to critize and talk about people and the media doesn't help. I totally agree with Sof Daf. This cover says nothing about her abuse and that it is okay, her low self-esteem or anything else. She is a entertainer and doing her job.
You don't know what you would do if you were an entertainer making big $$$$. We have seen worse and better album covers than this.
Spend more time teaching your kids about love, respect, and kindness for others instead of hating on someone based off of what you hear in the media. Make sure you are living in your own shoes correctly, before jumping into someone elses!!
She's a celebrity! They do things to get the attention of the public to promote themselves. Although this is not something I would do, she is 21 years old and it's her choice. She is a great performer and regardless of her situation with Chris Brown, she is an artist! Her album covers do not show low self esteem, its a statement! Why we care so much about these celebrity is the question still unanswered. If she was a regular chic, noone who even know she had done this cover.
Looks to me like she has a lot of self confidence! You can't pull that off with low self esteem!
Good Lord – how am I supposed to work now?? Whoa
Put your sexuality out there? Sad and pathetic. To bad she can't sell her albums just based on a her vocal/musical ability alone. Most be trying to make up for a lack of real talent by taking off her clothes.
Wait a minnute why am I even commenting on something a banal as this anyway? Let me me go find something of real importance like the SOLDIERs dying in Afghanistan or the Health Care nightmare bill!
Sexy cover. It has people talking,. Great move.
I think you people need to look up the phrase self-esteem. She has loads of it being that comfortable in her own skin, esp. after the things that happened to her. She looks amazing. GO RIHANNA
I'm shocked any human being, more or a less a woman, would ever say based on appearance someone deserves to be abused in any form. What a pathetic statement cat. I'm embarrassed for you.
She is hot. That is all I can say from looking at this picture. Those who say she has low-self esteem and any other negative comments should do more research on her before deciding what type of person she is.
As If!
Uproar Uproar Uproar...and if you are not attacking Janet Jackson or Jeniffer Lopez, then it will be some other hip and ethnic woman. This is simply imagery...did the Cat Woman on Batman series get beatin up by her lover? None of these photos have anything to do with her...you do not know her personally. You can bet there is somebody who advised her that she will make bank if she pushes the envelope. Someone has to pick up where Madonna has left off. Oh, you remember Britney Spears? This is a money making business and she is a product. That is all...enough said...great photo.
sorry Cat but you just said, in alternate words, she got what's coming to her. YOU just highlighted the problem - helloooo???? Madonna, Christina A., Britney, I could go on and on about other singers who put themselves out there as far as their outfits but seriously, that means they deserve to be beaten? Your comment should be taken down.
rihanna looks good i wish she disses that punk chris brown shit if i was in that business id beat him the same way or worst but rihanna u do look good hopefully ur not trying to look like ur over that beating and trying to become something ur not but i will support u anyways and f*** chris brown and cat too
I am ashamed. My teen-age girls idolize her and I don't want them looking at or immulating this! Is it that important to be shocking?
As a Rihanna (and Chris Brown) fan I am very impressed with this look and the song. She has come a long way. She's a very strong and talented woman and she is moving on with her life and we need to let her.
Dreemes, this isn't a health related photoshoot. Maybe those who don't agree with the way she looks, shouldn't be looking at this article.
THIS IS NOT A NEWS STORY. TAKE SOME LESSONS FROM THE BBC.
After reading the majority of these comments I, just for fun, asked my 5 year old daughter what she thought of the picture. I simply said "What do you think about that?"
Her response, "She looks mad. I think she's mad cause her jump rope is broken."
So much for this album cover being the single handed demise to our society.
I think Rihanna is beautiful as she is, the nudeity is necessary, especially if you've seen her dressed for a special ocassion. Regardless of how she is displayed, with or without clothes, no one has the right to beat her up, nor does this picture say "Please beat me up, or give me a black eye." Women are special and should be treated in a special manner. A "real" man wouldn't even think of some of the things I've read in this comment section. Grow up boys..
This is a young girl and I just hate it when people talk ugly about our young, give them a break. If you can't say anything positive, then don't say anything at all.
Like your take on it Just Breathe.
Ouch~ barbed wire!
First of all, we should remember that one of our rights and freedoms is that she can do what ever she wants on her cover (within reason) THANK YOU Troops!
Let's not forget that sex sells...you all did click on this. Although it is sometimes sad, it is a fact and we are the ones to blame for it.
To all of you people that are placing judgement on a woman based on the cover of a CD, you are just plain ignorant. If you think this is a bad influence for your children then get out from behind your computer and be a PARENT! If you were a good parent, no amount of outside influences would affect the way you've raised them.
To me this proves that RiRi is not the innoncent little victim folks thinks she is. Chris Brown's career is suffering no doubt because of his own actions. But it's unfortunate because we weren't there and I can see RiRi starting some stuff she couldn't finish. Now everyone's sympathetic to her oh poor Rihanna – I don't believe it. I believe she's a firece little witch who can start and finish a fight.
Has nothing to do with self esteem, sex sells...anything. You put a naked chick on the front of something, and its bound to attract attention. Money makes the world go round, sex influences it.
she's got a high self esteem god cat dont hate on her, then again it is porno like Jeff said. rihanna used to be such a good girl though, not a great role model anymore
No class Rihanna, you could do better than that, why you thought you would never reach to high heights? and this is the only way, How trashy, this shows your immaturity. Very, very low self-esteem, how low can we go. Shame on you, how embarrassing. I thought better of you. Very, very disappointed. Is that any fun, go behind closed doors, and get on with it, tied up etc.. we don't need these public appearances. I was growing to like and admire you, but that is through the window, bye, bye..
@JustBreathe
"One last poing, R is not American! She is from the islands, where they aren't as uptight about the human body. They are boobs people, get over it."
That is such a lie! I am Guyanese and Bajan (just like Rihanna) and We are even more uptight about the way our women dress than America is! You clearly don't know what you are talking about!!
In the end, she's nowhere near as hot as Whoopi Goldberg.
Just a sign of the times. Woman have advanced so far – rightttttttt
To: 'Annoyed' who said "I would bet that most of the people who think the photo is nice are likely immature, ghetto trash who lack any moral guidance in their lives. And please spare us the tired ebonic cliches, (e.g. "Don't hate", "You go girl")."
I hope your feelings are this harsh against supporters of Britney, Paris, Lohan and others who have all proven themselves to be no-talent, low-life, drug-abusing ___trash.
It's always interesting to hear how some people react differently to black women pop stars (calling them ghetto, trashy, etc).
I can't believe this article used the phrase, "beatdown." I think that implies a balanced fight in which one person came out victorious, or at the very least a deserved beating. People use the phrase like that, "I gave him a beatdown," and cnn should be smart enough not to.
Pity? Low Self-Esteem? Man, its just too funny what people will say just to make themselve feel better they're not someone famous.
I see a great album cover, that alludes a bit to her private life with CB. I think its an awesome cover...for those who feel bad about Rihanna and her life...don't worry, she's got plenty of money to make her feel better!
Those who think money doesn't help happiness obviously have enough to worry about other things!
Stunning! Transcendental beauty. Great talent. Frankly, I'm a bit sick of seeing great talent in their underware or being scantly dressed. It is not nenessary.
I enjoy Rihanna's music.
I am saddened her new cover seems masochistic after the news of her past abusive relationship. Perhaps, it is an expression of the stage of life she's in now... perhaps it is an extremely sad and cheapening sale tactic.
No matter how you color it... It doesn't seem a good direction for Rihanna to be moving in. One can only hope she quickly finds a more healthier direction.
We lose too many good artist. If it is a cry out. I hope she gets help.
I love how everyone on here clicks on a link w/ "racy photo" in the title, then back pedals by saying how "disgusting" the photo is. Then make it seem that they have halos above their heads and their above something like this...ha! Didnt you click on the link??. As someone stated earlier...if you dont like it dont look at it idiots.
Annoyed/Johnny; If anyone is playin' the hate it's obvious that it would be you both. Annoyed I wonder why you even took the time to comment on something that you don't care about – in which your comment is ignorant simply because what appeals to you don't appeal to them and vice versa. so why did you comment again??
&& Johnny who wants fakeness, so with nothing more to be said... we know what type of person you are... it's bad karma to call someone ugly for no apparant reason but to be ignorant as well...
Did Chris Brown give her that black eye as well?
Wow, look at all the good Christians in here chucking stones all over the place. Keep on judgeing, thats what you do best, and wow with the "no wonder she gets beat" comments. Just another example of why Christianity is on it's way out. Judgmental, racist, intolerant, with a side of ignorance. Nice recipe for people that are supposed to turn the other cheek.
Cat you don't know what you're talking about.
She's gorgeous, but this is not the best aesthetic for her. If only Mr. Blackwell were still around to deliver the acerbic putdown this fashion misfire deserves. But, alas, he died a year ago yesterday.
Well, if Rhianna had been wearing an outfit made out of barbed wire on that fateful night, maybe Chris Brown would have thought twice about punching her. Good call, Rhianna, just a little late.
What would Meghan McCain think?
To all of you who ask "What kind of message is she sending todays youth?": Seriously? Why does everyone expect singers & rock stars to be our children's heroes? They are entertainers not scientists, explorers, etc. Music, movies & television are ENTERTAINMENT! You and your families should be setting an example for your children... not the people we pay to entertain us. Be a PARENT, be a GRANDPARENT, be a TEACHER... don't look to the entertainment industry to set an example for your kids. And no, I am not a fan of Rhianna's music...
too shallow! skin and barbed wire? what kind of message are you sending to the world Rihanna? what a waste!!!!
I totally hate it. get some class girl.
Johnny where did you get a time machine from? Pam Anderson hasn't looked good for 10 years now.
Cat You NEVER will have a woman like her...NEVER.
Victoria, you NEVER will look like her EVER...envy talks...She is up there better than a lot of us. No self steem? right...that is why she is doing better than a lot of the people in these forum.
She got all of our attention didn't she? The facts...she is an entertainer and she just entertained us. Job accomplished. Let her express herself the way SHE chooses and stop judging her. "Live and Let Live". If I may judge her though....Damn! she has an awesome body. You go girl! Welcome back.
The bottom line is that she is trying to sell records. The cover is meant to shock and get people talking about it. The cover is meant to give teen guys something to masterbate to. Bottom line is sex and shock value sells, that is what the cover is for. Maybe she does have self esteem issues, maybe she is a train wreck waiting to happen, who knows. The only goal of her management is to make money and if they have to show her standing naked with a goat, they will do it. Its all about the money....
Barbed wire is hot. She could beat me anyday.
Let's not blow this out of proportion. It's not like she's being caught doing drugs and driving drunk like Britney, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Ritchie and others. It's an album cover – not that serious.
"Don't hate." "You go, girl." "She has a great body." "it's a freaking picture." "It's art."
And we're actually puzzled when people around the world think we're one of the stupidest, crassest cultures, heading down, down, down.
You all said it. Word.
She looks like a complete skank. And btw, didn't Christina Aguilera already do the complete skank thing?
The majority of you are rediculous. How about you go do something productive in your lives, rather than criticizing people's opinions and judgements.
If you had a body like that-and happened to be an R&B Sex Symbol/Superstar Im sure you would flaunt what you had as well. Everyone knows that in these times especially in the movie/music industry SEX SELLS- I think she looks absolutely fab- Kudos to you RhiRhi. Her cover has nothing to do with her self esteem- If it was in any way low Im sure she would be covered and not flaunting her fit bod. Also- Domestic Violence should never need an excuse- expecially low self esteem. Put your bottle of HATERaide down and take a jog cat
So much ink wasted on a non-story.
seriously?? is this not so passe or cliche already?? Palease. How about a cover that shows you got some self respect?? Now that would be shocking.
Sadly the entertainment industry has painted performers into a corner where they (the entertainers) feel they need to push the envelope of appropriateness further and further. However Rhianna is very talented and will continue to garner success so I wish her the best. And for the record... NO ONE deserves to be a victim of violence no matter how they dress, act, or speak.
Love Your Body Day? What's wrong with thin people loving their body, too? No one is responsible for how another person feels. Period. R shouldn't worry about her body because someone else doesn't like theirs- that is their problem.
Also, people, stop trying to sexually stiffle your girls! Boys aren't subjected to a 1/4 of the sexual repression girls are. Yes, your daughters will grow up to be women one day; women who feel sexy, confident and have sex. Get over it.
One last poing, R is not American! She is from the islands, where they aren't as uptight about the human body. They are boobs people, get over it.
I'm waiting for 'cat's' album cover; oh wait, she won't have one. And did you really say 'hangs out?' Sure is hanging it out on that cover. Still not a patch on the dumbest album cover of all time: BLIND FAITH.
Troop M – that's USSR, not CCCP. In Cyrillic characters it's CCCP and MOCKBA; in Roman USSR and Moscow. I totally agree with you, though.
The is no science to this. This cover shot was meant to get people talking and sell albums. Looks like it's working.
Low self esteem is right. Now why do girls want to be like that? Oh its because the role models they have are like that.
Rhianna is a beautiful girl, but I hate to see supposedly strong/successful woman degrade themselves like that. Degrade how? What does a woman think we she looks at that? Now think about this, what does do most men think about when they see that?
Role model, It's called CD sales $$$$$$$ It's probably not even her body in the pic. She schould have been wrapped in money not wire.
I don't know what it is but many musical artists start out normal and then they turn into sex symbols.
I guess sex sells....
I love people like Wretch... uh, I mean Gretch, who throw out the whole "role model for kids" line. I was raised by parents with great values who took no crap from me. When I was watching violent movies and listening to heavy metal with Satanic lyrics, I was never once inspired to acts of evil by the "poor role models" that were entertaining me. Why? Because my parents raised me to know better. If your kid is influenced by something like this, then you're a lousy parent who's probably too busy watching stupid reality shows about dried-up housewives.
yeah right...a girl with low self esteem that has a lot of money!!!! Get over it!!!
Ugly women should keep their clothes on. Leave the barbed wire to Pamela Anderson
It doesn't matter whether she had on a bikini or barb wire, some women are going to hate on her no matter what. You don't see any men complaining do you? And this is what kills me about jealous women, if that was Denzel Washington or Brad Pitt you wouldn't here a word from these women about low self esteem, and yet you would never see a guy hate on any of these dudes. Enough said.
breasts and barbed wire?
Is that really a healthy association?
This species is truly due for an anthropological reset, I'm thinkin'.
ciao, y'all.
I like reading all of your comments, but all I have to say is...ouch! That barbed wire has to hurt!
I would bet that most of the people who think the photo is nice are likely immature, ghetto trash who lack any moral guidance in their lives. And please spare us the tired ebonic cliches, (e.g. "Don't hate", "You go girl").
It's 2009, folks. Quit having a problem with women who are strong enough to put their sexuality out there, and who are confident enough to show their perception of strength through imagery. This is how SHE decided to tell the world she doesn't give a F what you think. It bothers you? Don't look at it. But please do not even suggest that this album cover means that she's asking to be beaten or abused in any way by a man. If you do, you're showing your ignorance.
There was a recent article on CNN which said "Nearly 90 percent of Afghan women suffer from domestic abuse." Those women live covered head to toe and are not wrapped up in fake wire posing for sexy pictures. Let's get real.
It's entertainment. It's business. She's making money. End of story.
The image portrayed by a beautiful woman wrapped in barbed wire is not sexy or hot. This proves that she really is a tortured soul. Rihanna is trying so hard to prove that the assault by Chris Brown did not impact her career negatively, but it did. I don't blame her for what he did, but going over the top to promote an album reflects her inner pain. What's worse is that the men that influenced her to portray this image have no more respect for her than Chris did.
That picture is disgusting, obviously she has no class and is trying to prove how "sexy" she is, no brains..etc. I am not surprised however, just look at how she dresses...
Hey let Rihanna rock what she wants. If you don't like it, don't buy the CD! She has a great body and great talent
Don't hate!
seriously people!!! it's not that serious! It's a freaking picture! Cat and Co. is over analyzing this WAAAY too much! of course she's doing this fro record sales. Y wouldn't she??? She knows she's sexy so y not show it off?
I LOVE IT!
Puh-lease with all the low self esteem talk. It's a cover on an album–intended to sell and sell well. Big deal. Nudity in the entertainment industry is not new–how often do any of you complain about in movies? Get a life, and quit trying to compose an essay about her life based on this picture.
Of all people, Rhianna should be sensitive to the horrors of violence against women in our society. Her CD cover is an exploitation of women and a promotion of the senseless violence against women pervading our world. Shame on her and shame on her managers.
I I dont know what exactly this album cover says. Maybe it says she is willing to let someone exploit her for a buck, or maybe it says she's willing to exploit herself for a buck, but one thing is for sure: she certainly isn't selling the music with a cover like this. The woman needs help. When you slap a cover like this on an album you pretty much declare that its all about sex and not anything to do with talent.
Inappropriate for a teeny-bop idol. Inappropriate for anything but a porn magazine.
She's a gorgeous girl, and can make a stronger statement in a less crude and violent way. The implications are unpleasant, not strong or sexy.
My grandmother used to say "sexy is leaving a little mystery"–Rihanna could use that advice.
Rihanna does not know what a beat down is she got a small black eye- the picture don't prove nothing to. I was personally been beat down a gun in my mouth burn by a hot iron her tiny little marks are nothing to me. just because and Rihanna have money they made a big deal about it. she act all innocent she did some hitting her self i don't have no pitty on her and her picture don't prove nothing to the women in this world who are getting beat down every day.
WOW, no wonder America has such a bad image with the rest of the world, just look at the comments being left. What is wrong with the image? Lets just say we are on the path to a CCCP type nation, take the rights of the people away, replace them with conservitive ideals, and lock the freedoms I founght for, that you enjoy, that you abuse away and make those who died for this country, their lives meaningless. I am ashames at what I have read above. We have become no better than what we fight and critize in the middle east. Why did I even bother giving my life to the military, to this country if you do not respect the freedoms I defend!
WOW! Gorgeous! Not really into the barb wire scene but AIN'T IT COOL that our great world has all kinds of people walking around??
Between the title of the album and the picture, it does not display a very good role model for youth, and we all know that youth buy albums, and what do they do... they copy what ever they see... so basically this says, you need to show your body, be a bad ass and act R Rated to be cool.... that just not what this world needs to be about... its just sad
It's art for Pete's sake!! Nothing more, nothing less!!
I wouldn't go that far and assume that she's strong, sexy or a badass! That's a lil judgmental to say those quotes, in the blog. But I will say this...
For starters, this is literally the very first time we seen her come out of the scene and is showing herself symbolically. I haven't really caught up with her and what she's up to but her man did. Chris came out on some shows like Larry's to explain his behavior and his errors. Believe it or not, women do wanna hear hear you man up and handle your mistakes like a man and be responsible for them, in other words, admit what you did wrong, not what you think you did wrong. Plus, to be fair to both of them, they probably talked and worked things out in the long run so who knows how emotionally and mentally their state of mind is and that's what we don't know. But that pic does say a lot about her in terms of her personality and attributes and to be fair, I'm assuming, just assuming, Chris is probably the REAL man she ever got in her life. There's no question she gave her body to him and there's no question she probably feels comfortable with him as well.
I say go fir it! If she feels comfortable and ready to move on, then move on and live your life. Just hopefully they worked things out and the mistakes don't get repeated. I'm sure Chris is a good guy and a responsible one but even in music, the tales tell more than the eyes.
She is a pretty woman and a sophisticated one but she does have to get ready for the backlash that may come accross her and remember, what ever happen to court? Exactly but in all fairness, relationships are worked out through personally, not legally.
Hey, if she wants to show that she's "tough or sexy" or whatever, they in her mind, her man is telling her, not what the world thinks of her.
PS: By the way, can anybody hook me up on GQ? LOL!!!! 🙂
She's young and he's young, I'm sure they will be fine in the short term but long term, that's anybody's guess...wait! "R-rated?" 🙂
You people are all idiots. An entire team pre-determined the layout, design, and delivery of this cover and I can guarantee you that Rhianna's only input into the whole thing was to show up, get into costume, and do what she was paid to – look good and sell her music. If people are offended or titillated by it, it doesn't matter – in the end, it's creating controversy and a buzz. Mission accomplished. It's no worse than putting a dog collar around a woman's neck, greasing her up and having her get on all fours, and then pushing a leather glove into her face... some people would say sexist, others would say sexy. And really, what's wrong with being sexy?
"No wonder she hangs out with men who beat her up. Based on that picture she has obviously very low self esteem." Someone else wrote on this earlier. Me personally, If I had low self esteem, I wouldnt be able to do a photo shoot like this, being vulnerable, sexy, and dangerous looking at the same time. The camera sees through all of that (being an amateur model, I know the faults the camera can rip from you and expose to the world) I think we should re-evaluate the meaning of low self esteem here. I just see power, sensuality, and sexiness all wrapped up into one. Great job Rihanna, as always, you go girl!
Hey now guys lets put the focus where it belongs...
damn is Rihanna hot.
although i do feel this is just a way to hype up the sales, i think it is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! she is a beautiful woman. she did not deserve what she went thru. no woman does. i did once in my life and now realizing that i was not the one to blame, i think of myself as a very strong, beautiful woman. i have more self-esteem now than ever before. maybe that is what she is feeling at this point in her life as well. dont hate. never judge.
I seriously doubt you can find 1 in 50 entertainment stars in the industry with low self esteem....I would bet everything I have Rihanna doesnt lack esteem at all....And a matter of fact just the opposite....Maybe some embarrassment initially but low self esteem? puhlease not even close...
Is the music any good?
I've always liked Rihanna, she was always dressed very nice even when she was in short skirts and dresses but now it seems like she's going in another direction that's not good, she has been some what different since that blow up she had with Chris Brown, I hope others close to her can see her change and try to help her come back to a better place before its to late or harder to get her back
everyone is so quick to say the women are hating. no one can ever say their opinions cause they are automatically hating. what one person sees as beauty may not be to another. seriously who cares! people on here are defending her like they know her on a personal level. calm down people.
I can see it both ways. They thing is it is her life and for us to judge it only takes away from ourselves. It is part of her drama we have enough in our own lives. Don't try cleaning up someonelses playground until you take care of your own. 😉
to me that album cover says: hey, maybe if I start copying lady ga-ga my fans will forget that I'm a battered woman. 🙂
And people wonder why our youth have such hedonistic views on life !?!?!? Yes, Rihanna is a very attractive woman. But to degrade herself in such a quite public way is rather pathetic. Her self-esteem is surely at an incredibly low level for her to portray herself in such a fashion as to say "Look at me ! I'm still sexy ! I'm OK after the beat down ! Look at me, damn it ! You'll still buy my CD's because I'm showing you my body !".
Rihanna should use her common sense & clean up her looks becuase she's better than that. And stop dating idiots who are going to use her for their own gain then smack her down.
Lowbrow. Low self esteem. Trashy. These are the words that come to mind. WOW you sell soft porn as "pop"? You people must be out of your minds to say that this is okay. I guess this is why our society has the morals that we have.
She is just 21, and she's acting like it. An older woman would understand that "strong and sexy" has little to do with how much skin you show, or using imagery that fairly screams "I like it rough" (I don't know what the writer's excuse is). Just don't let your children, girls or boys, buy the album with this kind of crap on the cover, and write Rhianna to tell her she's better than this.
She looks hot to me.
The girl has been through a lot. I think unless you have been through what she has been through you have no right to bash her. In a world where celebrities live out their lives in the public eye, she is making a statement through her album: The cover, the music, the words. I have so much respect for the way that she handled a very terrible situation. It could have been something that ended her, but instead she rose above it. It's not a "woman power" thing. it's about someone rising above adversity.
I cant believe some of the comments on here. Wasnt Jennifer Aniston on the cover of a mag buck naked? Not to mention dozens more. Why are people comparing this to hanging out with a guy that beat her? So silly.........
It is a album cover.
Damn she looks hot. Wonder if that barbed wire hurts...or feels good in a Chris Brown kinda way
I think that eye piece is covering her black eye from her recent beatdown. 😉
Not cool. By the way,she's just another Illuminati puppet. People wake up. No wonder young teenagers act like sluts.
I am not sure if this is a publicity stunt, or another degrading portrayal of a young woman who is victimized by the patriarchal structure that is still in existence to sell a woman's sexuality. Prostitution is alive and well in many ways.
I know who this woman is ONLY because she got hit in the face. I assume creating a "buzz" over an album cover and getting CNN to cover it is another good marketing strategy. It isn't artistic or edgy and Photoshop could make anyone look good in barb-wire. What this cover does does do is objectify her and sell albums. Give me a singer that doesn't use a pitch corrector. That's edgy.
These are the types of images we don't need as females and as a society in general. If you are near any Love Your Body Day celebrations in your area this month, I urge you to attend.
Reading most of the comments on here make me want to grab some barbed wire and wrap it around my throat.
It's an album cover for a song that my guess is none of you have even heard. It's art. It's sexy. And it takes a strong, confident person, to pose partially nude for the world to see. I'm sure there is some personal symbolism in the song/cover that are special to HER but since none of us know HER, it's not our place to say.
Not understanding the hype! Is the rest of America still stupid? I see a girl and barbed wire. Hmm...still not understanding the issue?
She dresses like a transvestite dominatrix out of "Mad Max" and she sings through her nose. Tell me again why I'm supposed to care?
You people are complete idiots with no comprehension of art. Read a book and educate yourselves, you moronic Neanderthals. Like 'be the change' said, "You go girl!"
You all missed the point! The photo did what? It got your attention over all the other thousands of album covers and it did what it was designed for. Just because she is protrayed in the picture like this does not mean she lives her life like that. I can take a picture of you as you are praying but does that make you a Nun? As far as a 12 year old boy goes, he has probably seen more than mommy can imagine right at home or on computers. Kids are not stupid. Remember SEX sells, gets ones attention, and for all those that express that it is nasty, vial, repulsive, and the last thing they think of, they probably have a few kids around. Remember also, even YOU are a result of at least two people having sex. There is nothing wrong with it. Kids learn early and if you try to stunt their knowledge of what is going on, they will find it in a different way which may not be that great. What kind of a message is Rihanna sending, purely entertainment for those that like her, nothing more and nothing less. So to those Moral Police out there with no common since, grow up and get a life.
She is young, beautiful and VERY talented. Her album cover is not showing anything more than what a bikini would. And as far as youths buying her album she has hit records your child not buying her album because of the cover would not put a dent in her wallet.
Hey, where do I find an outfit like that? I want to put it on the next time my husband comes in late and give him a big big hug!
as for the psychiatrists here, wow I agree with the others, I think its you that have self esteem issues. That or you are over 70 years old.
Getting wrapped in barbed wire hurts like hell. Dat girl be craaaazy.
with all of the problems going on in this country, like unaffordable education, health care and unjustified occupations, you think those would be our main stories and issues. instead we have to talk about what a singer is wearing? our country has become truely lost.
What's up with that ye piece. What happened to a normal picture of a beautiful young lady. Why does she have to make herself look like a freak. She is so lost and no direction in life. I hope she comes to her senses and act more normal and hang out with more normal people. She is a very talented young lady and she has absolutely no need to use these images to attract people.
Yeahhhh Buddy!!,,I Like It!!<3
Oh come on, you all know that's hot. Give her a break. Just because you're all 45 and overweight doesn't mean you have to be jealous. Seems like she's pretty high on herself if she can work that.
I don't know why Rihanna remains important. She is an entertainer and that's pretty much it. Now that I think about it, she didn't become important until she got her ass kicked.
I look at the album cover and wonder if she's selling a dominatrix DVD? Maybe her demographic will buy it.
Kids do the some pretty goofy stuff. She's still a kid but where is her management and their guidance?
crazy huh, i can see everybody is jumping on cat.
Now if you don't show some skin you worth nothing. one thing i know entertainment or not God didn't create her to sell her body like that
Why is this R rated?
Come on people
Rihanna is attractive and the beats of her music are great and catchy, but for some reason her singing doesn't do anything for me. Her singing seems really nasal and monotonus and frankly annoys me. Am I alone here?
I've come to only one conclusion about this picture, It's definitely Hellraisers wife.
This is what you do when you have no talent and your music sucks. Need to shock people.
Budity sells, but where is the SELF RESPECT
Like all artists, there is a great need to remain in the forefront of the industry and they all eventually move from original, classic music to the popular and raunchy arena where many maintain their popularity. I hope this is not a sign of Rihanna's ebb of originality or too much of an effort to keep stardom. As for Brown's beatup, that mistake is hopefully now over with him doing the menial work and she singing away on the world's stage.
She is pretty, and she is acting slutty, and she is sending the wrong message to young women who might like her music.
Personal value statements? Absolutely. Who said I can't...?
Truth be told, those of us who say she has a low self esteem, clicked on the link to see her nude on the cover...so what does that say about all of us, low self-esteem, porn seeking males...?
She's living life... She's is alive and well..
Not as sexist as 'Smell the Glove'.
What was 'The White Album'? It was nothing.
Sex sells. I think it's all about marketing. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
I still would not want my daughter to see this image, it's over board.
Um, do you think Rihanna chose it, or the producers? She probably doesn't have a whole lot of say in which songs are put on an album, let alone the cover, which usually involves a marketing team. How someone dresses (or is dressed) doesn't give anyone the right to hit them. If a girl shows cleavage and wears a mini-skirt, does that give a guy the right to rape her? I think not.
I think she's prety hot....But why the 1 eye thing? Is she covering up a black eye? HAHAHAAAA!!!!!
I personally am no longer a fan of Rihanna. Chris was wrong for striking a woman true, but Rhianna should have talked about the fact that she struck him as well. The picutue however is art as far as I'm concerned. She's an artist and this is how she expresses herself. Besides, when a body is as fit as hers, it just doens't look bad IMHO.
Nice example / role-model for young African-American women. Reading this message board makes me laugh at the lack of intelligence that exists in today's society. When people are actually applauding a naked woman wrapped in barbed-wire, it makes me realize why the rest of the world feels that America is weak and intellectually challenged. Sad.
Lets not chastise people when we dont agree with their choices. I understand the concerns of the critics. I have concerns of my own, but its OK to let people express themselves in their own way. U can express concerns, but its not fair to attack them.
I am woman, hear me roar! MeOw!
Can't believe CAT and Victoria will make a comment like that. So you are saying the way you look will determine if you get beat up by a man or not. No woman deserve to be hit by man no matter how provactive she looks. Hitting a woman is wrong on all levels.
Why is this crap allowed on a cover of anything! Epecially where kids can view. Tthey are looking for music not porn. What a dissappointmen!. If she wants to pose nude and explicit she needs to call Playboy!
I think she can do better than that. I agree with Cat and Mary.
Rated R...ohh booo Queens of the Stone age already used that name...and I can tell you right naw QOTSA is waay better that ella ella ellea umbrelleeellaaaa bullcrud!
not sure what to think of this. yes its gutsy, and ill be the first to admit i wish i had the figure to pull that off...
imo, seems like a shock factor stunt to hike up sales... again just my opinion nothing else. cant wait to see what her new songs are about, worth the hype..or not much to be desired..
cat is right in a way. rihanna has no self respect and when you have no self respect then you will put yourself into situations that are dangerous. she has no respect for her body if she is wearing this on the cover of a cd for the whole world to see.
Everybody keeps trying to see the "new" Rihanna. There is no new Rihanna! She's the same young woman who just lived a chapter in her life. MOVE ON PEOPLE!!! You want to know why celebs can't move on from certain places in their lives, because the media won't let them. They always have to relive it over and over again. How does a person heal when they have to relive the same experience over and over? It can't happen. I am so proud of Rihanna for not making a whole bunch of statements and taking her time to focus on the one person she needs to focus on....herself! Go Rihanna!
@Mary and Cat:
Violent imagery?? A man who obviously has been tortured and stabbed is shown suspended by huge spikes, bleeding from multiple deep lacerations to the face and head, on public display on a constant basis, yet there isn't a public outcry for it to stop. Oh...wait, my fault. It's just another depiction of Christ on the cross.
Once again proving, images are perception.
What I see here are a lot of couch-potato psychologists trying to claim they know everything about the human psyche. Sorry but that cover doesn't evoke any feelings beyond "damn she's hot." As to feeling violent because she has barbed wire I don't see it that way. I see it as a woman who was hurt surrounding herself with something that holds other things back and protecting herself while saying that she still has cajones that are apparently bigger then most the people here.
It's sad and scary. Breasts wrapped in barbed wire...? I feel worried for her... she is playing Russian Roulette.
cat you have serious issues with that whack comment. you seem really ignorant....the only one with low self esteem is you..... obviously you are a non fan nor do you have an objective opinion when it comes to art, artists anything that deals with self expression. you and your low ball remark need to get a life.
they are boobs, people. we all have them. get over it.
AWESOME...I LIKE THE FACT THAT NE-YO PRODUCED HER VIDEO...
Riahnna has great and fresh music all of the time.
I am appalled to see the album cover of Rihanna’s latest CD after the ordeal she went through with Chris Brown. Why would she feel she would have to represent herself in such a degrading manner? She should feel confident that her voice could sell many albums. The cover is very unprofessional! I thought Rihanna would have had more class. Shame, shame, shame on her for her inability to portray herself as a classy entertainer.
Are you serious? Strong? "Don't mess with me"? This image says anything but. It shows a woman in bondage, trussed up and waiting for her master to order her to . . . whatever. This is so completely the WRONG IMAGE and it makes me wonder if Rihanna is a victim by choice. This is a disturbing image showing a woman in subjugation. Should we want our daughters to aspire to this? I think not.
Is she white or black ? I can not tell from that picture?
Mary, M. Jackson, and Cat,
Since you can glean so much about Rihanna from an album cover about Rihanna have you ever thought about starting an online psychoanalytical site? I mean, all someone has to do is send you a picture of themselves and you can conduct a diagnosis, right?
porn
Oh what a wonderful cover!!! And we wonder why our youth has the mental capacity of a rotting tomato, and think of women much as the Marquis de Sade did!
Or is it that when she was getting the crap kicked out of her by Chris Brown she took one too many pops in the head?
Sounds like some jealousy creeping in here....
under my barbed wire, wire, wire, eh, eh eh ...
I like it! I think it's a very beautiful and memorable photo! Good for her.
I don't see anything in the picture that shows her self esteem is "low" much less "obvious". But using your rationale Cat, the only reason women get beat up or abused is because they have low self esteem? I'm not a woman, but theory is just ridiculous.
Cat -
Your comment is extremely ignorant. First of all, no woman deserves to be beat up on and it is no fault of her own that that incident ocurred. Secondly, what she does for WORK has nothing to do with her personal life. She is a musician...this is her job. And in the entertainment industry sex sells.
Ya, I realy want my 12-year old to buy Rihanna's new ablum. Are you crazy? What kind of image is she sending our youth?
I suspect that album cover has more to do with sales than self esteem
Mary, what are you talking about? I think you're reading way too much into the picture.
I'm not impressed. its not a flattering photo. It isn't 'edgy'. Its just weird. They could have done a way better job in conveying the message that she's a survivor.
Not really sure what to think. Wish she would use her voice and actions to say "I'm strong and sexy" instead of her body.
Something must have snapped in her head. This girl has probs if she feels this barbwired approach is the way to go.
Pity, really.
My, my, my! How judgmental of you, cat! I have to disagree with you though. The picture shows her confidence in her body. Maybe you're the one with low self esteem. Taking shots at her to make yourself feel better?! Truly pathetic.
Yawn. This is completely staged to make it "controversial" in order to generate hype and sales. Major label garbage at it's finest. She's not trying to say anything with this picture. It's just pre-orchestrated by the major label to build up sales. There is nothing genuine about pop music, it's just disposable media. A commodity.
The picture may evoke Wendy O. Williams, but like most of today's "artists", the similiarity to yesterday's stars end there.
Yes, I've got to agree with 'cat' above...don't let all of the money and fame distract you...this poor girl has some serious self esteem issues. She's not that original in the first place... and *everything* she does these days is like a scream out for help. She gets beat up and immediately runs out to get a tattoo of a gun, now this. Shock value doesn't last, it just makes you look young, stupid and cheap. Please, please grow up and get some help.
Trashy is as trashy does!!!!
Does anyone recall the cover of Janet Jackson's "Janet" album with Rene clutching her breasts. Ummm.... what's worse? Both lack taste and it's just another case of a woman objectifying herself. Her behavior illicits the way she's treated.
Isn't this the girl that was just beaten up by her boyfriend? She apparently hasn't learned yet that you put violent imagery out to the world that is what you will get back into your life threefold. She also is saying that it is OK for women in general to be on the receiving end of sexual abuse.Yucko.
No wonder she hangs out with men who beat her up. Based on that picture she has obviously very low self esteem.
Go 'head Rihanna and let the haters hate!!!!!!
You don't know jack about her self-esteem, Cat. And even if hers was low, god forbid, should you ever find yourself in an abusive relationship, check back with us and let us know how it affects YOUR self-esteem, huh?
Really?? To me, the cover says, "I'm weird, I'm tough, and I enjoy pain and humiliation."
Hey kat it's entertainment, get a life.
Obvioulsy you have the self esteem issue....women that put down other women that are attractive often do 🙂
Seriously? "No wonder she hangs out with men who beat her up"...Seriously?! You're going to walk down that road? Based on a picture? Uh....Judgemental much, cat??
It always amazes me when people think they can tell a person's feelings by looking at a picture. You can't, nobody can. If they say they can, they are lying, or stupid. Cat, you obviously just wish it was you on that CD cover. Jealousy is an ugly color on you.
I doubt anyone with low self esteem would rock some barb wire and nothing else.
She's young, free and has the body to pull it off.
Don't hate.
You seem to have low self-esteem for trying to insult people you do not know.
Actually I would say she has a lot of self esteem. I for one, would not have the guts to pose like that.
You go girl!
Hope it's worthy–so much gratuity and shock these days, one hopes that we recognize genius and talent much. Music, theater, comedy–it's all nudity, "f" bombs and pushing the envelope in every way. Those things aren't inherently evil, but they are now a schtick.
cat- You totally took the words right out of my mouth.
No wonder she hangs out with men who beat her up. Based on that picture she has obviously very low self esteem.