Like a Prayer



artist: Madonna

director: Mary Lambert

label: Maverick / Warner Bros.

year: 1989

YouTube Video

The highly controversial music video was shot at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, California, and Madonna's scenes with burning crosses were filmed on San Pedro Hills in San Pedro, California. The video features actor Leon Robinson as Saint Martin de Porres. Critics were upset about the video's use of Catholic iconography, including a scene where Madonna developed stigmata, and cross burning imagery, but it also garnered praise for its interpretation on discrimination, rape, and faith.