Avril Lavigne Doesn't Think Her "Hello Kitty" Video is Racist

Avril Lavigne has tweeted to defend her recent music video for "Hello Kitty."

The video, which appears on the singer's website, has faced a large amount of criticism for its depiction of Japanese culture.

The video appeared on YouTube on Tuesday, April 22, before being taken down. A representative has said that it was removed simply because it wasn't supposed to have been uploaded on that day, not because it received a negative response. 

Lavigne has responded to the widespread criticism, which has included suggestions of racism, tweeting: "RACIST??? LOLOLOL!!! I love Japanese culture and I spend half of my time in Japan. 

"I flew to Tokyo to shoot this video specifically for my Japanese fans, WITH my Japanese label, Japanese choreographers AND a Japanese director IN Japan."

Speaking to Digital Spy about the track, Lavigne said, "Obviously it's flirtatious and somewhat sexual, but it's genuinely about my love for Hello Kitty as well!"

The Canadian singer will release "Hello Kitty" as the fourth single to be lifted from her recent self-titled album.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Via Digital Spy