Madonna says she’s “caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny” after criticism of Grammys photos
Madonna responds to those who singled out her appearance in photos of her at Sunday’s 2023 Grammys.
In an Instagram post shared late Tuesday, the music icon, who announced a new tour in January to celebrate her four decades of making music, responded to criticism of her appearance “taken with a long-lens camera by a press photographer.”
The singer says the photos would “distort anyone’s face” and were a distraction from the historic victory of trans artist Kim Petras and non-binary singer Sam Smith, whose performance of “Unholy” she introduced at the awards ceremony.
“Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in,” she writes in a lengthy post that accompanies a video of her hanging out with the likes of Cardi B, Smith and others. “A world that refuses to celebrate women over 45 and feels the need to punish her if she remains strong-willed, hardworking and adventurous.”
She adds that she has been unapologetic about her brand and creative choices as an artist, including how she looks and what she wears, adding: “and I’m not going to start [apologizing].”
“Since the beginning of my career I have been relegated by the media, but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to lead the way so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come.” she continues.
She ends the post by evoking a line from Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul,” celebrating a future of “subversive behavior” and boundary-pushing that will continue to not only consist of “standing up against the patriarchy,” but also “mostly enjoying of my life.”
“Bend down bitches,” she ended the post.
While most of her message was aimed at those who had hammered on her looks, she also took the time to explain how she passed on the album of the year award and instead opted to put Smith and Petras in front. to set.
“It was more important to me that I presented the first trans woman to perform at the Grammys – a moment to make history,” Madonna wrote. “And on top of that she won a Grammy!!”
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