OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Pop icon Madonna was widely criticized for being “unrecognizable” during a recent appearance at the annual Grammy Awards.
The 64-year-old appears to have undergone extensive surgery and other cosmetic work on her face in order to appear younger, but these rumors have not been confirmed.
Comedian Tim Young reacted, “Madonna looks good for her age… if her age is 2,700 year old vampire who eats babies and small animals alive.”
Caption Madonna at the Grammys… pic.twitter.com/8K3bHsw96I
— Ben Owen🇺🇸 (@hrkbenowen) February 6, 2023
Madonna has responded to the criticism in a long social media post.
She begins, “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!!”
“Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in,” she continued.
What is happening to Madonna pic.twitter.com/afdyPyoQjS
— Lauren Chen (@TheLaurenChen) February 6, 2023
Madonna looks like an Alien, I can’t imagine anyone wanting to look like this. pic.twitter.com/yUtSgIlXv3
— Johnny Midnight ⚡️ (@its_the_Dr) February 4, 2023
“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 said.
“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,” the singer said.
Madonna quoted Beyoncé by saying, “I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior — pushing boundaries — standing up to the patriarchy — and most of all enjoying my life.”