Madonna responded on Tuesday to criticism of how she looked at Sunday’s Grammy Awards.
On social media, many people said the 64-year-old was unrecognizable. “Whaaaaaat happened to Madonna’s face?!” was a typical reaction.
Madonna clapped back in a message she shared on Instagram.
“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,” she wrote.
“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.’”
The pop icon – who heads out on her 40th anniversary tour this year – added: “I look forward to many more years of subversive behaviour - pushing boundaries - Standing up to the patriarchy - and Most of all enjoying my life. Bow down bitches!"
