Madonna Checks Critics, Calls Out "Ageism" After Grammys

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65th GRAMMY AWARDS Show coverage
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA FEBRUARY 5: 65th GRAMMY AWARDS Madonna speaks on stage at the 65th Grammy Awards, held at the Crytpo.com Arena on February 5, 2023. -- (Photo by Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

People weren't kind when they made fun of her Grammy appearance, but the music icon clapped back.

Grammy weekend was a movie for Madonna, who always knows how to get people talking. The music icon is getting ready to embark on a worldwide tour, but it's just light work for the 64-year-old singer. She stopped by the Grammys last weekend to reunite with a few of her famous friends—and to introduce one of the most controversial performances of the evening.

Sam Smith and Kim Petras delivered their smash hit "Unholy," and Madonna prefaced their performance. However, audiences were more interested in Madonna's appearance. Soon, social media was taken over with comments about her face and conversations about cosmetic surgery.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 05: Madonna speaks onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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Following the chatter, Madonna returned to Instagram to show off her Grammy celebrations. She was joined by several celebrities, including Ab-Soul. In the caption to her post, she addressed the "ageism" she's experienced. She called it an "honor" to introduce Smith and Petras while calling out her critics.

"Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim," Madonna began. "Many people chose to only talk about Close-up photos of me." She added, "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."

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She continued: "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.

Madonna then quoted Beyoncé: "You-won’t break my soul" and "Bow down b*tches!" Check out her post in its entirety above.

About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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