Madonna faced critics head-on after Sunday’s Grammy Awards, labeling those who commented on her physical appearance as “elderly and misogynistic.”
The 64-year-old pop queen took the stage to present the award for Best Pop Duo/Group to Sam Smith and Kim Petras for their hit Unholy.
He wore a matching black tuxedo with bleached-blonde eyebrows and carried a whip as he praised the “rebels out there.”
Her appearance sparked scrutiny on social media and in the press.
In an Instagram post accompanied by backstage photos, Madonna he said: “Once again I am caught in the glow of age and misogyny that permeates the world we live in.
“A world that refuses to celebrate women over 45 and feels the need to punish them if they continue to be strong-willed, hardworking and adventurous.”
She also said that close-up photos with a long lens camera would “distort anyone’s face” and that she had been “degraded by the media since the beginning of my career”.
Frustrated that people were focusing on her looks, she tried to call attention to German singer Kim Petras’ success as the first trans woman to win a Gramwhich he described as a “historic moment”.
Madonna continued, “I’ve never apologized for any of the creative choices I’ve made or the way I look or dress and I won’t start.”
Petras paid tribute to the icon in his acceptance speech, saying “I don’t think I could be here without Madonna.”
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Madonna concluded her critical response by referencing lyrics from Beyonce’s Renaissance album, which won Best Electronic/Dance Album of the night.
“In the words of Beyoncé: You won’t break my soul.”
Madonna will begin a world tour this summer with dates in North America and Europe, when she will perform her greatest hits.
