MIA calls out MTV VMA’s for “racism sexism classism elitism”

"This is a perfect example of "allowed" voice"

MIA has called out MTV’s Video Music Awards for “racism sexism classism elitism” after her video for ‘Borders’ failed to gain a nomination.

The VMA nominations were unveiled yesterday, with Beyonce, Adele, Drake and Kanye West all featuring.

MIA took to Twitter, stating: “MIA – BORDERS is not included in the VMAs #hahahahhaahahhaha!! Racism sexism classism elitism #dontwantyourlane!”

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She continued: “BORDERS came representing people outside US showing [world emoji]. This is a perfect example of “allowed” voice vs excluded voices .Even if U direct it,” before finishing with “not here 4 EGO or Accolades but know before you tell other [world emoji] artists they have the same platform as major US artists coz they don’t #[world emoji]”

The ‘Borders’ clip sees MIA join a group of refugees as they travel across the sea in boats and climb fences, while she reels off the lines: “Politics / What’s up with that? / Police shots / What’s up with that? / Identities / What’s up with that? / Your privilege / What’s up with that? / Broke people / What’s up with that? / Boat people / What’s up with that?”

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MIA was recently dropped from the Afropunk London line-up. The Sri Lankan rapper was due to headline the event, but tweeted last month that she would no longer be performing following criticism from those offended by comments she had previously made about the Black Lives Matter movement.

In April, she told ES Magazine: “It’s interesting that in America the problem you’re allowed to talk about is Black Lives Matter. Is Beyoncé or Kendrick Lamar going to say Muslim Lives Matter? Or Syrian Lives Matter? Or this kid in Pakistan matters? That’s a more interesting question.”

She latter clarified those comments, denying that she was trying to attack the Black Lives Matter movement. “I’m not Muslim,” she wrote. “My question was, on American platforms what do they allow you to stand up for in 2016?”

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