14 Music Videos from the ’90s That Sparked Controversy

These '90s music videos caused a stir when they aired and got people talking for years.

Daisy Montero
May 22, 2025
4 min read

14 Music Videos from the ’90s That Sparked Controversy — Anete Lusina on Pexels

Many music videos in the 1990s pushed boundaries and upset some viewers. Some were banned, others were edited, but all got attention. This list looks back at the most talked-about music videos.

1. Madonna - “Like a Prayer” (1989)

Queen Rapsheeba & Spieler mexikaner on Wikimedia Commons

Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” video featured provocative religious imagery, including burning crosses and a black saint, leading to widespread backlash from religious groups and a boycott by the Vatican. Despite the controversy, the video solidified Madonna’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.

2. Nine Inch Nails - “Closer” (1994)

thirteenthbat on Wikimedia Commons

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails was notorious for its explicit content, including themes of bondage and religious symbolism. MTV aired a heavily censored version, but the video’s raw portrayal of desire sparked debates about censorship and artistic expression.

3. Pearl Jam - “Jeremy” (1992)

SunOfErat [1] on Wikimedia Commons

“Jeremy” depicted a troubled youth’s tragic story, culminating in a controversial ending that many misinterpreted. MTV’s edits to the video led to confusion and discussions about media responsibility in portraying sensitive topics.

4. Madonna - “Justify My Love” (1990)

Spieler mexikaner on Wikimedia Commons

MTV banned this video for its explicit sexual content, including scenes of S&M and same-sex intimacy. Madonna responded by releasing it as a video single, which became a commercial success and a statement on censorship.

5. Fiona Apple - “Criminal” (1997)

Sara Covich from Bellevue, Washington, United States on Wikimedia Commons

Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” featured voyeuristic visuals and themes of teenage sexuality, leading to debates about the sexualization of young women in media. The video’s raw aesthetic challenged viewers and critics alike.

6. Soundgarden - “Jesus Christ Pose” (1991)

Peter Alfred Hess on Wikimedia Commons

The video featured provocative religious imagery, including a woman on a cross, leading to MTV banning it. The band received death threats, highlighting the intense reactions to perceived blasphemy in art.

7. Michael Jackson - “They Don’t Care About Us” (1996)

David Valdez on Wikimedia Commons

Filmed in Brazilian favelas, the video faced governmental pushback over concerns it highlighted poverty. Jackson’s insistence on filming there brought attention to social issues there brought attention to social issues but stirred controversy over exploitation.

8. Nirvana - “Heart-Shaped Box” (1993)

Kigsz on Wikimedia Commons

The video featured surreal and disturbing imagery, including a crucified figure and a cancer patient in a Ku Klux Klan robe. Its symbolism sparked debates about its meaning and appropriateness.

9. Tool - “Prison Sex” (1993)

The Oxygen Team, KDE; on Wikimedia Commons

Addressing themes of abuse, the video’s disturbing visuals led to MTV banning it. Its artistic approach to a taboo subject sparked discussions about the limits of expression in media.

10. Marilyn Manson - “The Beautiful People” (1996)

Patrick Whitaker on Wikimedia Commons

Known for its grotesque and industrial visuals, the video amplified Manson’s controversial image. Its unsettling aesthetic challenged viewers and solidified his status as a provocateur.

11. George Michael - “Jesus to a Child” (1996)

University of Houston Digital Library on Wikimedia Commons

A tribute to his late partner, the video’s somber tone and themes of loss resonated deeply. Its subtle references to homosexuality sparked conversations about representation in mainstream media.

12. Eminem - “My Name Is” (1999)

Mika-photography (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mika-photography) on Wikimedia Commons

Eminem’s debut video featured satirical takes on pop culture and controversial figures. Its irreverent humor and explicit content led to debates about censorship and artistic freedom.

13. George Michael - “Outside” (1998)

Insasse on Wikimedia Commons

George Michael responded to his own arrest with this bold video set in a mock public restroom turned disco. The video used humor and flair to confront homophobia and media backlash, sparking outrage and praise. It was unapologetic, defiant, and unforgettable.

14. TLC - “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” (1992)

Warner Bros. Discovery on Wikimedia Commons

TLC’s debut video showed the group in condoms-as-accessories and streetwear, openly singing about sexual confidence. The message was bold for the early ’90s, especially coming from a girl group. Parents were shocked, but young fans listened.