Madonna Fights Ageism As She Struts Fashionably In Yet Another Video Showing Off Her Looks

Mar 15, 2023 by apost team

Madonna is certainly no stranger to controversy. Over her four-decade-long career, the pop star has weathered a multitude of criticism, disdain, condemnation and disparagement from the media over everything from her fashion style and dance moves to her behavior on talk shows. Despite the flak, the “Material Girl” always seemed to come out the other side swinging. However, after taking to the stage at an awards show in February 2023, her physical appearance has got the world talking – and it’s not just the media this time.

Pop icon Madonna has long defied the odds and broken boundaries throughout her career. She is not only a talented singer but an all-around performer, entertainer, actress and pop culture icon. Madonna has given us plenty of hits, defining the course of pop music and ultimately earning her the moniker the "Queen of Pop."

The legend was born Madonna Louise Ciccone on Aug. 16, 1958. Originally from Michigan, the aspiring star moved to New York City in the late 1970s to pursue a career in dance before finally finding success as a solo singer. The ‘80s were peppered with a plethora of No. 1 hits from the diva, including "Papa Don’t Preach," "Like a Prayer" and "Like a Virgin." Her enduring popularity was bolstered by even more successful songs down the road.

Starting in 2022, Madonna has been continuously receiving backlash because of her appearance. The 64-year-old singer has been dubbed “unrecognizable” by many of his fans and people on the internet because of her cosmetic transformation throughout the years. 

But despite the flak, Madonna seemed to be unfazed by the comments, as she is still enjoying herself and her artistry, as shown in the videos she posts on her Instagram account. 

On Feb. 5, 2023, Madonna appeared on stage at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in California to introduce Sam Smith and Kim Petras before their performance of “Unholy.” In her introduction, Madonna referenced her own divisive legacy.

“If they call you shocking, scandalous, problematic, provocative or dangerous, you are definitely onto something,” she said. “I am here to give thanks to all the rebels out here forging a new path and taking the heat for all of it. You guys need to know, all you trouble makers out there, you need to know that your fearlessness does not go unnoticed.”

However, instead of focusing on her impassioned speech, people on the internet poked fun at Madonna’s appearance for what they speculated was her overzealous attempt to look young through cosmetic procedures that resulted in an unwelcome transformation instead. They took to social media to decry just how unrecognizable the “Holiday” singer’s face – with not a wrinkle in sight and puffed-up cheeks – looked. 

In response to the criticism, Madonna took to Instagram to address the issue. 

She chalked up the criticism to being "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." 

"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 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,” she continued. 

apost.com

Despite the recent furor, it's not the first time Madonna has used her platform to criticize the media. In a 2019 Dazed interview, she lamented that social media is "made to make you feel bad."

“You get caught up in comparing yourself to others ... People are really a slave to winning people’s approvals.”

On the topic of Hollywood's ageism problem, the star spoke candidly in a 2019 Vogue profile: 

“People have always been trying to silence me for one reason or another, whether it’s that I’m not pretty enough, I don’t sing well enough, I’m not talented enough, I’m not married enough, and now it’s that I’m not young enough. So they just keep trying to find a hook to hang their beef about me being alive on. Now I’m fighting ageism, now I’m being punished for turning 60.”

Madonna is unfazed by the backlash she keeps on receiving whenever she posts a new photo or video on her Instagram. 

In one of her latest uploads on March 10, 2023, Madonna strutted fashionably in a short clip, which was a teaser for the announcement of additional dates for her highly-anticipated 40-year anniversary tour. 

Madonna sizzled in a black bustier-style corset that accentuated her cleavage. She wore a black blazer with wide lapels, futuristic sunglasses and some black gloves to complete the look. But what stands out the most is the white tulle dress that she rocked effortlessly. Her corset was plastered with expletives, mirroring her strong personality. 

The pop icon strutted in the video like a fashion model, with Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” Queen Remix playing in the background. The clip lasted only for a few seconds, featuring the part of the song where Beyonce referenced Madonna's iconic hit song “Vogue.”

What do you think of Madonna’s transformation? Do you believe women are unfairly held to strict standards once they get past a certain age? Let us know, and pass this on to your friends to get their take on it, too.