The Weeknd's Pet Panther in 'Starboy': Mysterious and Controversial
When discussing Travis Scott's hit song 'Starboy,' fans couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious and striking presence of the panther in the music video. This article explores the symbolism, speculation, and the legality surrounding the panther's appearance, ultimately confirming that The Weeknd does not own a pet panther.
Symbolism in 'Starboy'
Travis Scott's music video for 'Starboy' is celebrated for its imaginative and evocative imagery. In the video, a panther, often referred to as 'Murphy,' is a recurring and significant element. The video delves into themes of mystery, symbolism, and subculture, leaving fans questioning the precise meaning behind the panther's presence.
There are a couple of interpretations for the panther's symbolism:
Symbol of his fanbase: The panther could represent the growth and transformation of Travis Scott's fanbase. In the early part of the music video, the panther is smaller, symbolizing a smaller fanbase. As the video progresses, the panther grows into a full-sized panther, indicating a significant increase in fan support. Symbol of his love interest: Another interpretation is that the panther represents Scott's love interest. The panther's appearance in the 12-minute epic music video 'M A N I A' further supports this idea. The panther could be seen as a loyal and fierce presence, similar to the relationship depicted in the song.Speculation: Is The Weeknd the Panther Owner?
While the symbolism of the panther is intriguing, a common question among fans is whether The Weeknd has a pet panther. The video alone doesn't provide clear evidence, leading to various speculations:
Some believe in the mystery: Some fans are convinced that The Weeknd does indeed have a pet panther and that it's just not common knowledge. The idea of owning a powerful and exotic animal like a panther adds an air of mystique to the artist's persona. However, such claims lack concrete evidence.
Legality Concerns: Many comments point out that owning a panther as a pet is highly illegal. Without proper certification and licensing, it would be extremely dangerous and against the law to keep a panther as a pet in most regions. This further suggests that the appearance of a panther in the video might have been that of a trained animal rather than a domesticated pet.
Opinions from legal experts and animal enthusiasts echo this view. According to The Humane Society, owning a panther or other big cats is not only illegal in most states but also poses significant risks to public safety and the welfare of the animals.
Conclusion
While the panther in 'Starboy' remains a source of fascination and speculation, it can be concluded that The Weeknd does not own a pet panther. The symbolism and mystique surrounding the panther in the music video are more likely intended as artistic elements rather than the literal representation of a personal pet.
Regardless of whether The Weeknd has a pet panther, the video's creative use of symbolism and imagery continues to captivate fans and add a layer of intrigue to the artist's work.