'Love The Way You Lie' Video Is 'Not About Eminem Or Rihanna

[S.T.A.N.]

'Love The Way You Lie' Video Is 'Not About Eminem Or Rihanna,' Director Says
'These are fictional characters,' Joseph Kahn says of abusive couple played by Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox.

Eminem and Rihanna's "Love the Way You Lie" video has already raised eyebrows and sparked debate with its frank depiction of domestic violence, and given the history both artists have with the subject, many are now wondering if the clip is meant to be biographical.

After all, the "Lie" video goes to great lengths to show the depths of violence in a relationship, something Em has rapped about innumerous times in the past, and it's something Rihanna knows about all too well, after then-boyfriend Chris Brown assaulted her in 2009. So the question most seem to be asking is: Are the clip's two characters — played by Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox — actually meant to represent Em and Rihanna?

To find out, MTV News went directly to the man responsible for the video (and its concept), director Joseph Kahn, who told us in no uncertain terms that, while there's a message behind "Lie," it has nothing to do with what's gone on in either artist's personal life.

"There are definitely things in both Rihanna and Eminem's [lives] that we have to be very sensitive about when we were making this video, [but] it's not a story about Eminem or Rihanna," he said. "It's a specific thing that I created for Dominic and Megan to play two people with very specific story lines to each other. These are fictional characters in my head but obviously based on real human beings."

So while he denies that Monaghan and Fox are playing Eminem and Rihanna in the video, Kahn said he can understand why fans might think that. After all, not only does the clip deal with an emotionally sensitive issue, but he happens to have a rather unique perspective on the lives of his musical stars.

"The subject matter is some of the most complex stuff I've ever handled ... [and] obviously there are parallels, in terms of the song, with Eminem's personal life and Rihanna's personal life," he said. "And I had actually, like last year, been working with Chris Brown ... so I'm in the middle of all this stuff, and I have to be very, very careful with how I tread. But ultimately, if you really look at the video, it's not about anybody in particular. ... It's a story specific to two characters I created."

[classthe_king]

Why does it say your TR rap battle record is 18-0

[DƎRDYPK]

Why does it say your TR rap battle record is 18-0

that ain't shit my TR battle record remains 420-0

[Dark Blue]

thats nothing look at mine

[Dark Blue]

thats nothing look at mine

I'll have a go at you, bitch.

[xRas]

yo, that shit was wikidy wik wack
i'll ram raid your ass crack
give that booty a slap
holla back at ya girl
give that bitch a slap
take mah fingers out of your ass crack
an stick em up tha bitches smutt



Oh fuck off.

[DƎRDYPK]

Your style is generic
Mine's authentic made
I roll like a renegade
You need clinic aid
My techniques bizzare an ill
I scar and kill
You were a star until i served you like a bar and grill,
Now I proceed to cook and grill ya
That's all it took to kill ya
You better recognize me like i look familiar,
You wanna battle?
You beat around the bush
Like you scared to lick pussy so eat around the tush
I need a clown to push
Someone that I can bully,
Wait a minute I don't think you understand fully,
See me without a style is like mustard without the Heinz
I lead the new school, you're a Busta without the Rhymes,
I'll crush the shit out your lines


what now?

[SajN]

Shut it or face warning for spamming.

[xRas]

Ding dong the bitch is back,,


on topic : (so stfu) Thats so interesting i like really thought it was about Eminem or Rihanna learn something every day huh ?

[Sofi]

Pretty sure he's lying.

Me too.. And if he's not then the video is just a big considence and it happens to resamble both of their lives

[buffalo bill]

Why should it be about Eminem or Rihanna?

[SeoNv]

subliminal

[S.T.A.N.]

Remember when EM hit Guerrera becuz he was kissing Kim, that is the exact scene which is depicted in the bar scene.

[Sam.]

Remember when EM hit Guerrera becuz he was kissing Kim, that is the exact scene which is depicted in the bar scene.

so do you imply it's about his marriage ?

[buffalo bill]

The video may certainly be inspired by Em's and/or Rihanna's experiences, but it doesn't mean it's about them.

8 Mile wasn't about Eminem, and I think this video is even further away.