From sexually provocative music videos to violent storytelling, several Rihanna hits have faced broadcasting restrictions, online removals and demands for censorship.

Barbadian superstar Rihanna has built a career on chart-topping hits, fashionable moments and an unapologetic approach to artistic expression. However, some of her most memorable songs have also attracted controversy, with their accompanying music videos facing restrictions in different countries.

While some of her videos were banned from television during particular hours, others were removed from online platforms or became the subject of public campaigns demanding that broadcasters stop showing them.

Here are five Rihanna songs that have made headlines over censorship, bans and broadcasting regulations.

S&M (2011)

One of Rihanna’s most controversial releases, “S&M”, attracted international attention because of its sexually suggestive lyrics and provocative music video.

The video reportedly faced bans in 11 countries including Jamaica, while some television networks requested edited versions.

Essence reported that the Melina Matsoukas directed video also received an age restriction on YouTube, preventing younger viewers from accessing it without verification.

In the United Kingdom, BBC Radio 1 played an edited version of the song titled “Come On”, removing several sexual references.

Rihanna publicly objected to the changes. However, The Guardian reported that the edited version had been supplied by her own record label in response to daytime radio requirements.

Needed Me and Bitch Better Have My Money (Explicit) are the No. 7 and No. 20 most streamed age restricted videos on YouTube.

We Found Love (2011)

Rihanna’s international hit “We Found Love”, featuring Calvin Harris, also encountered censorship because of its dramatic music video.

The visuals depict a troubled romantic relationship involving drug use, alcohol consumption, arguments and destructive behaviour.

In November 2011, French broadcasting authorities restricted the video from airing on television before 10 p.m.

According to CBS News, regulators were concerned that the video could encourage harmful behaviour among younger viewers.

Despite the restriction, the song remained available on radio and online platforms.

Man Down (2011)

“Man Down”, a reggae-influenced track, generated intense debate following the release of its music video.

The storyline follows a woman who shoots a man after being sexually assaulted.

Several advocacy groups, including the Parents Television Council, condemned the video and called for it to be removed from television.

Critics argued that the video portrayed retaliatory violence, while Rihanna defended it as an artistic statement addressing sexual violence and its consequences.

According to ABC News, BET refused to withdraw the video, maintaining that it complied with the network’s broadcasting guidelines.

Unlike “S&M”, “Man Down” was not confirmed to have received a widespread official broadcasting ban. It was instead the subject of a highly publicized campaign demanding its removal.

Pour It Up (2013)

Rihanna’s “Pour It Up” attracted controversy over its sexually suggestive visuals, which featured pole dancing, revealing outfits and provocative choreography.

According to an October 2013 report by International Business Times UK, the music video was removed from YouTube 10 minutes after its release for reportedly violating the platform’s content policies.

Rihanna subsequently directed attention to another video platform.

S&M and Its Additional Daytime Television Restrictions

Beyond the widely reported international bans, “S&M” also faced restrictions in individual broadcasting markets.

A May 2011 report by the Irish Independent stated that Irish broadcasters would follow programme standards by keeping the controversial video out of daytime television.

In many cases, restrictions applied specifically to music videos rather than the audio recordings themselves.

Some restrictions prevented videos from being shown during daytime hours, while others involved edited radio versions, age restrictions or temporary online removals.

There is also an important difference between an official broadcasting ban and a campaign demanding that a video be taken off the air.

For example, “Man Down” faced calls for removal, but BET continued broadcasting it.

Similarly, the restrictions on “We Found Love” in France did not amount to a complete prohibition on the song.