M.I.A.’s Redhead Cut From Shakira’s World Cup Video

Ever since M.I.A. released her video for her shocking punk rock song, “Born Free,” music critics have been racking their brains for the correct interpretation of her depiction about the state-armed forces. It was gruesome, it was unpleasant but kind of awesome as well.

There’s one scene in particular that everyone remembers. (Note: If you have not watched the video yet, this is a spoiler alert.) We could all see that red headed boys were the victims in her storyline, but what we didn’t see coming was a commando shooting one of the young, innocent, and very frightened boys in the head.

It turns out that the young actor who played the role of this said character was also up for a part in Shakira‘s “Waka Waka” video as part of her contribution to the World Cup album but according to the UK’s The First Post, his part has been cut… somewhat. Because of the controversial association with his appearance, Shakira and her people have not cut him out of her video entirely but Ian Hamrick can now only be seen in a crowd shot.

Now, we don’t necessarily think it’s Shakira who actually made this decision since she is known to be on to speak up for political issues as well. It was just last week that the Colombian pop singer announced her statement on Arizona’s new immigration law. So, this leaves her team, but can you really blame them?

When people are watching a video for the big athletic event, they don’t necessarily need to be reminded of a little ginger dying.

Do you think Shakira’s team made the right decision in cutting out Hamrick’s larger role in her Waka Waka video?