Singer Ashanti has sparked outrage and protest with a promotional e-card featuring a fake news report about a murder spree inspired by the bloody music video for the single "The Way That I Love You" from her new album, The Declaration. Making things worse, her official homepage links to the controversial promotion.
In the music video, Ashanti portrays an angry lover who takes a bloody revenge on a cheating boyfriend by stabbing him to death. The clip features images of knives, blood-spattered walls, and bodies in the bathtub which are used in the e-card promotion. The card features a fake news headline from the UCN (Universal Crime Network) which reports that, "police are investigating a recent wave of violence in New Jersey. The police commissioner has hinted that there may be a tie between the recent attacks and the music video for Universal/Motown recording artist Ashanti's single 'The Way That I Love You.' "
Murder News Reports as Promotion
Controversial Ashanti Video & eCard
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Marketing Strategies - The use of controversial marketing strategies to promote products can generate an emotion and reaction from the audience, which can lead to increased brand visibility and sales.
2. Interactive Promotions - Creating interactive promotions, like the fake news report and e-card used by Ashanti, can increase engagement with consumers and drive interest in the product.
3. Use of Shock Value - The use of shock value, such as incorporating violent or controversial themes, can make a product memorable and stand out in a crowded market.
Industry Implications
1. Music Industry - The music industry can benefit from using provocative and controversial marketing techniques to promote their artists and albums.
2. Entertainment Industry - The entertainment industry as a whole can explore the potential of using controversial themes in their promotions to generate interest and engagement with their content.
3. Media Industry - The media industry can innovate by creating interactive and provocative news reports that generate interest and discussion in current events.