Estelle Brushes Off Video Controversy

Estelle has refused to defend her latest music video after she was criticised for wearing black facepaint in the promo.

The British singer stunned fans after footage from upcoming single Freak, in which she is seen with black make-up on her face and body, was released on the internet, sparking a flood of angry comments from internet viewers.

But the American Boy hitmaker won't apologise for the controversy, insisting fellow rapper Missy Elliott also donned the look in a previous clip.

She tells MTV, "Those comments were the first thing I saw after we released the video trailer. It's like, 'Are you joking?' I think they need towait to see the (whole) clip. I could defend myself, but it's just silly. I'm black, so how do I do blackface?

Missy did the same thing (with thevideo) She's a Bitch. I refuse to defend it, I didn't put any white ringaround my mouth - never that".