Katy Perry video causes uproar for allegedly disrespecting Islam

Petition launches urging YouTube to remove "Dark Horse" music video, deeming it insulting and "blasphemous."

By LAUREN IZSO
Katy Perry (photo credit: Courtesy)
Katy Perry
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Miley Cyrus and Rihanna can take a deep breath, because controversy that often follows them has taken a turn and is now cracking down on Katy Perry.
The "I Kissed a Girl" singer's latest single, "Dark Horse," is sparking harsh reactions from the international Muslim community for disrespecting a symbol representing their God, Allah.
A petition launched Tuesday on Change.org is urging supporters of Islam as well as other religions, to ask YouTube to remove the "blasphemous" music video. Thus far, the petition has received 35,000 signatures.
Perry portrays an animated representation of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, and she is seen using her powers to destroy those who oppose her. One character in the video is seen wearing a religious symbol around his neck, who she then zaps into a pile of sand, along with his pendant.
"At 01:15 into the video Dark Horse; a man is shown being burned, whilst wearing a pendant (also burned) forming the word 'Allah', which is the Arabic word for God," says the online petition.
The petition describes Perry as representing the opposite of Muslim values, and when she is easily able to destroy something representing god, it is a "portrayal of blasphemy."
"Katy Perry engulfs the believer and the word God in flames," it also says. The petition describes the video as "irrelevant and distasteful."
Nida Ahmed of the United Kingdom signed the petition saying, "We are Muslims and that is Allah's name on his neck and she burns it that's great disrespect to Islam."
Also from the UK, Bilal Khan wrote, "Absolutely Disgusted at the music industry for allowing this to happen, music should be about spreading love not hate."
Ayaan Mire of Sweden said, "This video is offensive to the Muslims and I hope YouTube will remove the video."
The video, released on Katy Perry's official VEVO YouTube channel on February 20, has nearly 30 million views.