After receiving major attention for filming her latest video, “We Found Love,” in Belfast, the pop star may now get even more, following comments by Northern Ireland’s Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.
The BBC reports the politician has lashed out at Rihanna for suggesting that north Belfast is "a hopeless place."
The new video was filmed in parts of Northern Ireland, including a field in Bangor in County Down, and the New Lodge Road area of Belfast.
Writing on his blog, McCausland notes, "apparently much of it involves her singing 'I found love in a hopeless place'. This is set against a background of drugs, alcohol and gambling, interspersed with shots of the New Lodge flats and views of the general area. 'A hopeless place?' Fortunately most people who see the video will have no idea where it was filmed."
McCausland's hopes may be dashed, as this is one video shoot which has received more publicity than most.
His DUP colleague Alan Graham was at the centre of a worldwide media storm after he called for filming in his field to stop. The councillor and farmer was fetching his tractor when he saw Rihanna and thought her topless appearance was "inappropriate."
Now McCausland, who is the minister in charge of social housing in Northern Ireland, has leapt to the defence of the area which he represents at Stormont.
"Crowds of local people flocked round her during her time in the area," he said. "They were excited and delighted about her visit to the New Lodge, but I wonder what their reaction is now that the video is out?"
Rihanna
Rihanna – We Found Love
