Britney Spears' 'Criminal' Video Director Defends Using Gun

The director behind the video for Britney Spears' new single 'Criminal' has defended the star for using a gun in her new video.

Britney was criticised when she was photographed brandishing a replica gun during the video shoot in London last month (September).

At the time, Hackney Council said they had not permitted the replica firearm to be used - especially so soon after the London riots.

But director Chris Marrs Piliero said he was surprised that the video's use of a gun upset people.

"Holding the gun became a controversial thing 'cause we filmed it in London, and they don't have a lot of gun use out there," he told MTV News.

"That doesn't mean that there's no gun use, so I did find it really interesting. For me, the thing is, it blew me away that members of [the British] Parliament were speaking about this.

"One, because it's a music video, and two, because don't you guys have television shows out there that show crime?"

'Criminal' is the latest song to be taken from Britney's 'Femme Fatale' album. Watch the 'Criminal' video here.