Madonna fired back at critics who commented on her face after her appearance at the 2023 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 5, saying their comments were misogynistic and ageist.
The 64-year-old pop icon and longtime LGBTQ advocate introduced Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ performance of their hit song “Unholy.” It was a big win for the LGBTQ community as Petras won the award for Best Duo performance, becoming the first transgender woman to win the award. She won the award together with Sam Smith, who is a nonbinary member of the community.
Even though the duo’s performance was breathtaking, many social media users were focused on Madonna’s fuller-looking face, with people speculating about what cosmetic procedures she might have undergone.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner took to social media on Tuesday, February 7, to respond to the rumors, speculations, and criticisms, saying that she had once again become the subject of ageism and misogyny that currently permeates the world.
The singer wrote on Instagram and called out critics, saying that instead of focusing on her speech in which she thanked artists like Petras and Smith for their fearlessness, they chose to focus on her appearance and photos taken by a photographer who would distort someone’s face.
Madonna added that today’s world refuses to celebrate women’s past 45 and feels the need to punish them if they continue to be hard-working, strong-willed, and adventurous.
The pop star continued by saying she had never apologized for her creative choices or how she looked or dressed, adding that she would not begin doing it now.
She also blasted the media, saying they had degraded her since the start of her career, but she does not mind taking the heat so all other women behind her can have an easier time with their choices.
She ended the Instagram post by saying, “Bow down bitches” and writing that she looked forward to many more years of rebellious behavior, standing against patriarchy and enjoying her life.
During her speech on Sunday, she said that she had learned that if people called an artist scandalous, provocative, troublesome, or problematic, they were onto something, adding that she was there to thank all rebels forging new paths.
Madonna remains one of the bestselling artists, with tickets to her upcoming Madonna: The Celebration Tour selling out in minutes. Over 600,000 tickets for shows in London, New York, and Paris sold in one day.
