Madonna has recently clapped back against critiques about her appearance, after presenting at the Grammys on Sunday earlier this week. The 64-year-old singer took to the stage to introduce the grammy-winning ‘best pop duo‘ Sam Smith and Kim Petras.
At the prestigious music event, Madonna made an on-stage appearance to announce the duo’s Grammy win for their hit song, Unholy. Petras accepted the award, making history as the first transgender person to win a Grammy. Instead of the spotlight focused on the duo, though, some observers had their eyes and cameras focused on Madonna.
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The criticism all began as images of the pop icon making the announcement win began circulating on social media. Tweets and comments streamed in, mocking Madonna’s appearance and speculating about cosmetic surgery.
Even UK chat show host Piers Morgan, known for his controversial and often inappropriate comments, took to Instagram to post a close-up of Madonna at the awards show, captioned:
“I thought Halloween was in October?”
I thought Halloween was in October? 😱 pic.twitter.com/IJ8bizlhVB
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 6, 2023
Madonna then took to Instagram, sharing a reel of her evening at the Grammys, captioned with congratulations to Kim Petras and Sam Smith, and a clap back about the backlash she endured about her appearance.
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“It was an honor for me to Introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith at the Grammys. I wanted to give the last award which was Album of the year, but I thought it was more important that I present the first trans- woman performing at the Grammys— a History making moment!! And on top of that she won a Grammy!!”
She then continued:
“Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim- Many people chose to only talk about Close-up photos of me Taken with a long lens camera By a press photographer that Would distort anyone’s face!!”
“Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny That permeates the world we live in.
A world that refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45 And feels the need to punish her If she continues to be strong willed, hard-working and adventurous.”
And, it’s true. Take Donatella Versace, Joan Rivers, Priscilla Presley, and even Jane Fonda for example. All formidable women who have received heavy criticism for going under the knife in their later years. Why should these icons be forced to buckle under the criticism of their appearance and personal choices?
In her post, Madonna echos the sentiment:
“I have never apologized for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start. I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come.”
The world is threatened by my power and my stamina. My intelligence and my will to survive.
But they will never break me
this is all the test. pic.twitter.com/XvcaaG0Rrs— Madonna (@Madonna) February 7, 2023
Before the end of her open letter, Madonna quoted Beyonce’s Grammy-winning song:
“You-won’t break my soul…”
And said:
“I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior -pushing boundaries-Standing up to the patriarchy -and Most of all enjoying my life. Bow down bitches!”
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Feature Image: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
