No Doubt Apologizes For Video Deemed Racially Offensive, Pulls ‘Looking Hot’ From YouTube After Complaints

The band No Doubt has apologized for a new video after complaints it was racially offensive and has pulled clip for the song “Looking Hot” almost immediately following its release on November 2.

No Doubt apologized for the “Looking Hot” video after its online release on YouTube, where many of the first to view the new track said that its themes were offensive and exploitative of Native American cultures and that the images shown in it were insensitive and promoting stereotypes.

No Doubt apologized in a statement after the feedback was crowdsourced, citing their multi-cultural identity as a counterpoint to allegations of insensitivity due to the cowboys-and-indians theme of the song’s video.

The band said in a statement:

“As a multi-racial band our foundation is built upon both diversity and consideration for other cultures. Our intention with our new video was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history.”

The group said in their apology that they had indeed consulted with Native American friends as well as cultural liaisons before making the video, although those efforts did not prevent the reaction that ensued:

“Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people. This is of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately.”

“The music that inspired us when we started the band, and the community of friends, family, and fans that surrounds us was built upon respect, unity and inclusiveness. We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video. Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are.”

Did you catch the No Doubt video for “Looking Hot” before the band apologized and pulled it?