Russell Brand has questioned whether Cardi B’s ‘WAP’ music video is a "feminist masterpiece or porn".
The 45-year-old comedian has discussed the controversial video – which also stars Megan Thee Stallion, Kylie Jenner and Normani – on his YouTube channel, saying it is a "capitalist objectification and commodification" of females.
He explained: "If male hip-hop tropes are about the potency of male sexuality … and then the female video is a sort of celebration of sexual potency … it’s an emulation of a template that already exists and is established by males.
"Is it equality if it has been established by the former dominator? The answer is no."
Russell suggested the eye-catching video doesn’t do anything to help liberate women.
The outspoken star said: "I wouldn’t be so reductive and simplistic to say that women celebrating their bodies using an aesthetic that’s conventionally been associated with the male gaze means it’s impossible that these tools could be used as a vehicle for liberation.
"But I am saying that in a sense it’s still the same metric, it’s still the same aesthetic, it’s still the same values, it’s still the same ideals. It’s still ultimately a sort of capitalist objectification and commodification of, in this case, the female."
Russell made the comments shortly after Cardi, 27, admitted to being surprised by the reaction to the video.
The rap star said: "I’ve been really surprised by the reaction, honestly.
"I knew it was gonna have a big impact, I guess, because of me and Megan. But I didn’t know it was going to be so controversial.
"I never expected that, you know, conservatives and Republicans were going to be talking about the song. I didn’t think the song was as vulgar as they said it was, you know?"