Why these music videos were banned

Madonna – “Like a Prayer”

Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” video shocked audiences with religious imagery, including burning crosses and a controversial kiss with a saint. The Vatican condemned it, and Pepsi even dropped their sponsorship, but Madonna didn’t back down.

Her fearless mix of spirituality and pop made the video legendary and a turning point for artistic freedom in music videos. It’s still talked about decades later for pushing boundaries

Nine Inch Nails – “Closer”

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” video was heavily censored by MTV and other music channels due to sexually explicit, disturbing, and surreal imagery. Trent Reznor delivers a provocative performance in a shocking visual style that became a cult classic.

The video’s raw intensity challenged the norms of music video censorship and influenced many artists who followed. It’s a staple example of edgy 90s industrial rock

Marilyn Manson – “(s)AINT”

Marilyn Manson’s “(s)AINT” video features graphic scenes of substance use, self-harm, and dark rituals, leading to its ban by Interscope Records in the U.S. The video’s intense visuals reflected Manson’s signature shock-rock style.

Though banned, it remains a powerful expression of rebellion and raw emotion, highlighting Manson’s uncompromising artistic vision. It’s a must-see for fans of controversial music videos

Pearl Jam – “Jeremy” (uncut version)

Pearl Jam’s original “Jeremy” video was pulled from MTV for its depiction of school violence, especially sensitive after the Columbine tragedy. The uncut version’s powerful storytelling brought attention to bullying and youth struggles.

Even though it was banned, the song’s message resonated deeply, making it one of the band’s most iconic tracks. The video is remembered for its emotional impact and social commentary

Queen – “Body Language”

Queen’s “Body Language” video was one of MTV’s first bans due to its steamy sauna scenes and sensual choreography. Freddie Mercury’s shirtless dancing among scantily clad models pushed the envelope for early 80s music videos.

Though controversial, it showcased Queen’s fearless approach to visual expression and remains a bold moment in their video catalog. The video’s provocative style was ahead of its time

Faithless – “Bombs”

Faithless’ “Bombs” video juxtaposed peaceful Western life with graphic war footage from the Middle East, leading to its ban on MTV for being too disturbing. The stark imagery was meant to highlight the contrast between comfort and conflict.

The video’s political message was powerful and unsettling, making it a memorable example of music as social commentary. It challenged viewers to confront uncomfortable realities

M.I.A. – “Born Free”

M.I.A.’s “Born Free” video was initially pulled from YouTube’s U.S. site, then age‑restricted and buried in search results due to its graphic depiction of military violence and execution of red‑headed boys.

The dystopian political allegory stirred controversy while receiving praise for its bold activist message. It has since become a landmark of politically charged music videos.

Robbie Williams – “Rock DJ”

Robbie Williams’ “Rock DJ” starts playful but ends with him stripping down to muscle and bone, a gruesome visual that got it banned in many countries. The video’s mix of humor and horror made it unforgettable.

This bold visual metaphor about fame and vulnerability pushed music video storytelling to new heights. It’s still talked about for its creativity and shock value

Pulp – “This Is Hardcore”

Pulp’s “This Is Hardcore” video features stylized, psychologically intense erotic and noir imagery about the darker side of fame. While deeply unsettling and controversial in tone, there is no verifiable record of it being formally “banned.”

The video’s psychological depth made it a cult classic and a unique statement on celebrity culture. It’s a perfect example of how music videos can be artful and provocative

Justice – “Stress”

Justice’s “Stress” video follows a group of youths causing chaos in Paris, with brutal and violent scenes that led to bans on multiple channels. The gritty realism was too much for mainstream TV but praised for its raw energy.

This video stands out as a fearless depiction of urban tension and youth rebellion in electronic music culture. It’s a bold, unforgettable visual experience

Pour It Up by Rihanna

Rihanna’s Pour It Up video was taken down from VEVO after it launched because of its suggestive scenes. The video showed her dancing on a pole and moving in revealing clothes, which was pushing boundaries at the time.

Even though it was banned briefly, it was put back quickly and gained massive popularity. Now, it has over 490 million views on YouTube, showing its lasting appeal.

Ride by Ciara featuring Ludacris

In 2010, Ciara’s music video for “Ride,” featuring Ludacris, was banned by BET due to its suggestive dance moves. The video showed Ciara performing hip gyrations and provocative body movements while wearing revealing outfits, which some found too bold for the network.

Despite the ban, “Ride” did well on other platforms and won praise from fans who admired Ciara’s dancing skills and fresh musical style. The video helped highlight her growth as an artist.

Monster by Kanye West

In 2011, Kanye West’s “Monster” music video was rumored to be be banned because of its controversial and graphic content. The video showed deceased women alongside the featured rappers, which sparked major backlash from fans and activists alike.

Feminist activists Sharon Haywood and Melinda Tankard Reist led a petition asking Universal Music Group and MTV to pull the video. They argued it contributed to harmful attitudes about violence against women, saying it portrayed women as objects rather than people.

These moving songs honor the brave—listen to the heartfelt tributes that still echo today.

Vans by The Pack

The music video for “Vans” by The Pack was banned from MTV because the network felt it was too much like a commercial for the shoe brand. Even though the song was catchy and celebrated Vans in a fun way, MTV’s rules didn’t allow overt brand promotion in videos.

Despite the ban, “Vans” became a hit within sneaker culture and Hip Hop circles. The video and song still gained a loyal following, proving its impact beyond traditional TV airplay.

ountry fresh and playlist ready—these 11 new tracks are turning heads!

If you liked this post, don’t forget to hit the like button and drop a comment.

Read more from this brand:

• These Are the Happiest + Saddest Songs in Country Music
• Grand Ole Opry’s Biggest Hit Songs of the 80s Revealed
• Why These Country Singers Are Overrated

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.