Critics of my looks are ageist and sexist, says Madonna
‘I have never apologized for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress’
MADONNA hit back against “ageism and misogyny” yesterday following criticism of her appearance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
The “Queen of Pop”, 64, presented the award for best pop duo/group performance to Sam Smith and Kim Petras, for their hit Unholy, during Sunday night’s ceremony in Los Angeles. Wearing a black tuxedo with her eyebrows bleached blonde, the Material Girl singer praised “the rebels out there” while brandishing a whip.
Her appearance prompted scrutiny and speculation on social media and in the press, which she responded to in a lengthy post on Instagram.
Alongside a montage of clips from backstage, she wrote: “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.
“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.
“In the words of Beyonce, ‘you won’t break my soul’. I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior – pushing boundaries – standing up to the patriarchy – and most of all enjoying my life.”
As a result of the win, German vocalist Petras became the first transgender woman to scoop the award for best pop duo/group performance.
Madonna is set to embark on a global tour in the summer, which will see her perform her greatest hits from across four decades in shows in North America and across Europe.