Madonna blames ‘ageism and misogyny’ for Grammys appearance backlash

Madonna speaks onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Peony Hirwani

February 08 2023 06:34 AM

Madonna has spoken about the backlash she received about her appearance at the Grammys.

During the award ceremony held on Sunday, the 64-year-old singer appeared on stage to introduce Sam Smith and Kim Petras before their “Unholy” performance.

Soon after, several social media users said Madonna’s “face is covered in plastic surgery” and suggested that she “should focus on ageing gracefully”.

“Madonna, by changing your facial appearance to the extent that you have, you are the main perpetrator of your own ageist agenda. I’m a fan, but I need to call you out on this,” one fan wrote.

Another person added: “I’m a huge fan but just stop the plastic surgeries please.”

In a new Instagram post, Madonna responded to the criticism.

“It was an honour for me to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith at the Grammys. I had wanted to give the last award which was album of the year, but I thought it was more important that I present the first trans-woman performing at the Grammys – a history-making moment,” she wrote.

“And on top of that she won a Grammy!!” wrote Madonna, referring to Petras winning the Best Pop Group/Duo Performance alongside Smith.

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Madonna said that instead of focusing on “fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim”, many people decided to criticise her appearance.

“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,” she said.

“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 pass [sic] the age of 45 and feels the need to punish her if she continues to be strong-willed, hard-working, and adventurous.”

Madonna pointed out that she’s 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.”

The singer ended her message with Beyoncé lyrics: “You won’t break my soul.”

Petras commented on Madonna’s post with three heart emojis.