Madonna Has Been Age-Shamed Again. Can We Cut the Singer a Break?

Lauren Sharkey
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Photo: Getty Images

Another day, another bout of body-shaming by a tabloid.

This time, Madonna has been targeted by the Daily Mail for her “ageing,” “wrinkled” hands that shockingly indicate her real age.

Looking her usual rock ’n’ roll self in a biker jacket by Moschino and spotted Marc Jacobs shirt, the 58-year-old singer attended the UFC fight in New York this past weekend.

Just a "normal" Saturday night in NYC!!! @ufc fight night with the legendary Madonna

A photo posted by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on

 

Daring to lift her hands to the camera, Madonna showed that she is aging naturally — and gracefully — with a few lines and wrinkles seen.

There’s a bigger issue here, though. Google “Madonna age” and, at the time of publication, you get more than 800,000 news results. Many of them shame her sometimes eclectic outfits, making reference to the fact that “she is not dressing for her age.”

Madonna, of course, is not one to take criticism without fighting back. In September, she took to Instagram to post some provocative throwbacks, captioning each one with “acting my age.

Acting my Age!!! Photo by Herb Ritts💘

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on


She was also criticized for her bum-baring look at this year’s Met Ball. Addressing those who age-shamed her, the music icon again turned to Instagram, writing a lengthy post stating: “The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an age-ist and sexist society.”

We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world. When it comes to Women's rights we are still in the dark ages. My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement. The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an age-ist and sexist society. I have never thought in a limited way and I'm not going to start. We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks By being fearless and By taking the road leas traveled by. Thats how we change history. If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice. I'm not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me‼️ As Nina Simone once said, the definition of freedom is being fearless. I remain Unapologetic and a Rebel ❤️ in this life and all the others. Join my fight for Gender. Equality! 🙏🏻

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on

Madonna isn’t the only one facing criticism. Renée Zellweger and Kim Cattrall have both called out Hollywood and the media for their ageism.

Photo: Getty Images

Isn’t it time we celebrated women’s achievements instead of filling headlines with age-related comments? Women in creative industries work tirelessly for equality and should be allowed to dress and act however they want, regardless of their age.