Madonna, 64, Calls Out Critics Over ‘Ageism and Misogyny‘ Amid Grammys Backlash

• Madonna took to Instagram to call out ageism after receiving critical feedback about her appearance at the Grammys.

• “Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in,” she wrote.

• The singer attended the awards ceremony to introduce Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ performance of Smith’s “Unholy.”

As the 2023 Grammys dust settles, Madonna is kicking it back up with a response to criticism of her appearance at the February 5 awards show. In a candid Instagram, the “Like a Prayer” singer, 64, called out ageism and wrote that the world “refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45.”

Madonna joined the ceremony to introduce Sam Smith and Kim Petras for their musical performance of Smith’s “Unholy.” She thanked them for being self-expressive “troublemakers” in the music industry. “I wanted to give the last award which was Album of the year, but I thought it was more important that I present [Petras,] the first trans- woman performing at the Grammys—a History making moment!!” she wrote under a video of (some risqué) backstage scenes with Smith, Cardi B, DOPEY, Ab-Soul, and DJ Honey Dijon.

“Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim,” the singer continued, “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!!”

While watching the show, viewers took to social media to scrutinize what some called her “new” features. To present, the singer wore her hair pulled back in two loop braids, along with a blazer dress and tie accessorized with a riding crop, no less.

“Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in,” Madonna wrote in response to her naysayers. “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 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 look forward to many more years of subversive behavior -pushing boundaries-Standing up to the patriarchy -and Most of all enjoying my life. Bow down b**tches!”

In her speech, Madonna encouraged Smith and Petras to continue the creative work they’re doing. “Here’s what I’ve learned after four decades in music: If they call you shocking, scandalous problematic, provocative, or dangerous, you are definitely onto something,” she said. “Your fearlessness does not go unnoticed. You are seen. You are heard and most of all, you are appreciated.”

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