Anti-War Madonna Shoots Peace Message

By Stephen M. Silverman

02/11/2003 at 01:00 PM EST

Madonna, who in the past has generally extolled the virtues of getting a piece of the action, is now singing out for peace.

Reuters reports that the Material Mom, 44, will use her upcoming video performance -- for the title track and first single of her upcoming album, "American Life" -- to speak out against a possible U.S. war with Iraq.

As such, she joins a chorus of pop stars, including Dave Matthews and Sheryl Crow, to express opposition to American military action.

Madonna's song is set for release in April and the video -- from "Ray of Light" director Jonas Akerlund -- is due in March. It was shot last week in Los Angeles, with Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, describing it as elaborate.

It begins at a fashion show of runway models in couture camouflage and combat fatigues, then builds into scenes depicting the abhorrence and repercussions of war, Rosenberg said. At one point, Madonna herself takes to the catwalk and -- superheroine-style -- lobs a hand grenade at the audience, she added.

In her description, the publicist was careful to say that the video's intent is not to be partisan.

"This is not a Madonna statement against George Bush," Rosenberg told Reuters on Monday. "It's certainly an anti-war statement and a statement about the horrors of war."