Russell Brand criticised for ‘mansplaining feminism’ in analysis of ‘sexual’ Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion music video

Comedian said he isn’t sure video’s ‘use of sexual imagery demonstrates progress’

Russell Brand has been criticised for posting a video asking whether Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new music video is “a feminist masterpiece or porn”.

The lengthy clip, which the comedian also shared on Twitter, saw Brand, 45, discuss the “cultural phenomena” surrounding the video for “WAP” and “its use of sexual imagery and female potency”.

He asked whether women “achieve equality by aspiring to and replicating the values that have been established by males”.

Brand said that music videos from women hip hop artists are “an emulation of a template that already exists and was established by males”.

He asked: “Is it equality if the template has already been established by a formal dominator?” before adding: “The answer is no.”

Brand, who said he was “spellbound” by the video as he is “aware of the power of female sexuality”, continued by stating he isn’t sure “if it demonstrates progress”.

“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.”

To back up his point, he explained that Margaret Thatcher was not a feminist as she was “extolling [and] espousing male values”.

Brand’s comments were met with a lukewarm reception on social media, with many accusing him of “mansplaining” feminism.

Russell Brand said he is ‘aware of the power of female sexuality’ (Twitter)

“I’m always in awe of men who pass opinions on what they consider to be feminism,” one person wrote on Twitter.

“When will the male gender learn that that entrenched arrogance to feel entitled to an opinion about women and women’s issues, simply further substantiates the patriarchal construct.”

Writer Bolu Babalola added: “And also any analysis that doesn’t take into account the context of racialised and gendered notions of sexuality and what it means for BLACK WOMEN to reclaim that audaciously is inane and ahistorical.”

“Congratulations to Russell Brand for mansplaining to women how they should enjoy ‘WAP’ & their own sexuality,” another person stated, with Deborah Frances-White – the host of the Guilty Feminist podcast – adding: “I really don’t want to be taught feminism by Russell Brand.”

Another said: “I like Russell Brand, really, but I’m bored of men thinking it’s their place to decide what is and what isn’t female empowerment.”