Watch: Lady Gaga's "Judas" video

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Lady Gaga's "Judas" video leaked on May 5, eight hours ahead of its original premiere set for 7pm EST on Thursday on the US television series E! News. The video, now officially posted on Gaga's YouTube page, has so far had more than 1.7 million views.

In the clip, Gaga portrays Mary Magdalene riding in a motorcycle pack with Jesus Christ and his apostles in what she has described as a "modern-day Jerusalem."

"It's difficult to see why some people would have a problem with the video," writes MTV US. "Sure, Jesus looks different, and Gaga is playing Magdalene (certainly one of the most controversial figures in the Bible), but its imagery isn't nearly as sacred/profane as that of the 'Alejandro' clip."

"Though Lady Gaga's video for 'Judas' is bound to offend some Christians for its irreverent and highly sexualized take on Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot," reviews Rolling Stone magazine, "it's pretty obvious that the singer is more interested in exploring Christian iconography than stirring up cheap controversy."

Music site Consequence of Sound writes that the video comes complete with a "standard dance routine, skimpy outfits, and creepily enthusiastic back-up dancers," describing it as "fairly tame."

The track is the second single from her forthcoming LP Born This Way and has reached the top ten in singles charts in some 18 countries. The album's title track, "Born This Way," which dropped on February 11, peaked at number one in 17 countries and is the fastest-selling single in iTunes history, selling more than 1 million copies in five days.

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Watch the video now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wagn8Wrmzuc