Willow SmithSimon James
Is Willow Smith's new music video too racy for younger viewers – herself included?
The 12-year-old daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett has stirred up a Twitter ruckus with the video for her new single Summer Fling, in which she cavorts with an older male and performs lyrics of a decidedly adult nature.
Far removed from the defiantly childish tone of Whip My Hair, the new song is a collaboration with DJ Fabrega and features Willow performing under the persona of Melodic Chaotic. Since the song's release last week, the video has raised more than a few eyebrows with its mildly suggestive lyrics.
Lyrics like: "Good night kisses if the mood is right/Laying by the beach with you wishing this will never end." The song also features Willow briefly affecting a faux British accent to deliver the line: "Thanks for the summer fling. It was nice."
In the video storyline, Willow, wearing a weird Nicki Minaj-esque wig, flirts shamelessly with an obviously older actor playing her boyfriend and parties up a storm with seemingly older friends at a pool party and a midnight bonfire.
More than a few media outlets have gone to the trouble to point out that the video also features a few teen lesbians in the party scenes.
To reiterate, Willow Smith is 12 years old.
As might have been expected, the song has generated a tidal wave of negative feedback via Twitter.
Twitter user @tiffanylord gets right to the point: "The Willow Smith video is so uncomfortable to watch." From @sexy_lolamari: "Someone needs to remind Willow Smith that she's 12."
And this from @Mamatoga.Jenny: "Willow Smith's 'Summer Fling' is totally inappropriate. If my 12yo 'walked the beach at midnight' w/ her older boyfriend we'd have problems."
There's also a line of Twitter thinking suggesting Willow's celebrity parents need to step in. The scary opinion of @mykieredreal: "Will needs to reach for the belt."
And the humourous reaction from @Kat_1ofAKind: "Willow Smith needs to give with her uncle n aunt in Bel Air" (referencing her father's nineties TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air).
Infinitely more tolerant was the tweet from @cLare_beaR: "I don't see what all the fuss is about. I really like that new song. Get over it." Likewise for @MomaCall: "I like your new video…reminds me of being young and free. Good for YOU!"
In the final take, the negative response to Summer Fling far outweighs the fan worship and all the naysayers cite the same reason: Willow Smith is 12 and far too young to be singing about love and romance and smooching on the beach.
But then, should there ever be rules and age restrictions on sweet summer love? What do you think?