Sia Defends New Video After Pedophelia Backlash

Internationally-acclaimed singer-songwriter Sia has defended her new video featuring actor Shia LeBeouf and Dance Moms child star Maddie Ziegler after the clip received backlash online after its release today.

The Elastic Heart video features both LeBeouf and Ziegler in nude coloured outfits, dance-battling in a giant birdcage and while a lot of the response has been positive, the Aussie artist has also come under fire on social media for claims of depicting pedophelia.

Sia took to her own Twitter account this afternoon to defend the video, as well as apologise to anyone who may have been upset by its storyline.

I anticipated some 'pedophelia!!!' Cries for this video. All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015

These two warring 'sia' self states.

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015

I apologize to those who feel triggered by #ElasticHeart My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015

@PopOnAndOn nope! They are the same person! Two 'sia' self states!

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015

@Jefferrrsss nope. Shia is also me. Nothing to do with my dad.

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015