On Sunday night, Madonna made an appearance at the 2023 Grammys, taking to the stage to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith’s performance. Despite the history-making moment – Petras became the first trans-woman to perform at the awards ceremony (before later becoming the first trans-woman to take home a Grammy) — many people instead focused on Madonna’s “new” or “changing” face with the musician trending on Twitter in the hours following.
Now, taking to Instagram, Madonna has spoken out about the discourse surrounding her looks, calling out the conversation as another example of the “ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in.”
The 64-year-old music icon began her post by expressing how disappointed she was that people were choosing to focus on her face, rather than the momentous occasion for her even being at the Grammys: celebrating Kim Petras and Sam Smith’s work.
“It was an honour for me to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith at the Grammys,” Madonna wrote, before going on to explain initially she wanted to present the night’s most prestigious award – Album of the Year – but that ultimately she decided it was more “important” to present, Petras, “the first trans-woman performing at the Grammys— a History making moment!! And on top of that she won a Grammy!! ♥️.”
Madonna continued, “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!!”
“I have never apologised for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start,” Madonna added. “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.’”
“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.”
Madonna finished her post by writing, “I look forward to many more years of subversive behaviour -pushing boundaries-Standing up to the patriarchy -and Most of all enjoying my life,” closing off her caption with one final nod to Queen Bey: “Bow down bitches! 💃🏼🪩🎤💄🎼👠”
