Rihanna thanks 'haters' for 'Man Down' success

Rihanna has credited both her supporters and her critics for the success of her controversial 'Man Down' video on YouTube.

The Bajan star celebrated on Twitter after her latest promo, which has clocked up more than 17 million hits since its release last month, was named as the week's most watched video on the social networking site.

'Man Down' depicts Rihanna shooting dead an apparent rapist in what was slammed by the Parents Television Council as a "cold, calculated execution of murder".

A spokesperson stated at the time: "Instead of telling victims they should seek help, Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability."

Hitting back at the group after her record result, Rihanna wrote: "Man Down is the most viewed video on youtube this week! Special thx to PTC and #RihannaNavy...this is why I F*X wit yall!!! RiRiLovers+RiriHaters...u all made this a success!!! And I truly thank u! (sic)

"#ManDown I bring the clip to u, and u take over from there! And I love that u love them! And I love u guys even more...there's video/movie/TV world and there's real life! I'm just impressed that u kids know the difference! Keep it up...and to every girl/boy empowered by this....u are the real winners here!"

Rihanna previously described 'Man Down' as "art with a message" and argued that it reflected the realities of the "real world".

Watch the official video for Rihanna's 'Man Down' below.