Madonna Slams ‘Ageism’ and ‘Misogyny’ From Haters Who Criticized Her Appearance
The icon chided those who focused on her looks at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
The 2023 Grammy Awards was a night to celebrate many talented and barrier-breaking musical artists, with an array of stars in attendance, including Madonna, who introduced Kim Petras and Sam Smith during the ceremony. But instead of focusing on her words, a lot of people commented on her looks, and now, Madonna is clapping back and giving them something to talk about.
The seven-time Grammy winner posted a video from the awards show on Instagram, while sharing her response to the hate in the caption.
She wrote, "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."
Madonna began the statement by highlighting how Petras made history at the 2023 Grammys, saying, "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 went on, "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!!"
Some people watching the Grammys commented on Madonna's face, with some claiming she was "unrecognizable."
Others came to her defense and called out the hate, with writer and attorney Amee Vanderpool eloquently saying on Twitter, "If she had shown up with no botox, filler or work, looking her real age, y'all would have dragged her for that, too. Let her do her thing and continue to be the queen of the revamp and check your misogyny."
Madonna echoed this sentiment in her statement, proclaiming, "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."
While she will continue to call out the ageism and misogyny she faces, Madonna also wrote, "I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come. In the words of Beyonce 'You-won’t break my soul.'"
The focus on Madonna's looks overshadowed the historical moment for Petras, who is now the first openly transgender woman to win a Grammy, nabbing the award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her and Smith's hit song "Unholy."
Petras said in her speech, "I just want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight," later adding, "I don’t think I could be here without Madonna."
