Ashanti Online Promotion Sparks Anti-Violence Protest In L.A.

What is a album release without some good old controversy to help out those record sell. The video for Ashanti single "The Way That I Love You," and a related e-card that features fake news reports about a crime spree allegedly inspired by the revenge-minded clip, sparked a protest on Tuesday (June 10) in Los Angeles that called for the promotional stunt to be taken down.

Visitors to the site are greeted by a fake news headline from the UCN, the Universal Crime Network, which reports that, "police are investigating a recent wave of violence in New Jersey. The police commissioner has hinted that there may be a tie between the recent attacks and the music video for Universal/Motown recording artist Ashanti's single 'The Way That I Love You.'

Once the information is input, users can click on a box to the left that launches a customized UCN news report featuring their information, including the victim's name splattered in blood on a wall, the weapon of choice, the sender's name in a fake newspaper headline and a reference to their home state. The clip ends with a plug for the album and a cartoonish voice reading the caveat, "Ashanti and Universal Music Group do not encourage or condone violence of any kind. This is for parody purposes only."

Many parents and religious leaders are calling for the site to be shut down.

Check out the site here