Following the debut of her “plastic face” on live television, Madonna’s Grammy Awards appearance has sparked new controversy and backlash.
Fans and detractors of Madonna’s “plastic face” have been vocal in their support and opposition, with many divided on how they would perceive the singer’s drastic change in the last few years.
Many people have described Madonna’s Grammy Awards performance as “unrecognizable” due to the cosmetic procedures she has undergone to maintain her youthful glow on her face.
Madonna, 54, presented the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award, which went to Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ “Unholy.” It was both fitting and historic that Madonna, a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community, bestowed the Grammy on the first openly transgender woman, Kim Petras.
In her moving speech, Petras thanked Madonna and Sophie.
Meanwhile, Madonna took to Instagram to address how the media focused on her “plastic face” rather than the historic victory for the LGBTQ community that she has presented.
She wrote:
“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!!”
To date, the post, which includes videos and photos of her with Petras and Smith, has received over 440,000 likes and nearly 17,000 comments, with both supporters (and detractors) of Madonna’s Grammy Awards 2023 appearance.
According to Madonna, she was “caught in the glare” of the world’s current ageism and misogyny. She also stated that society “refuses” to celebrate women over the age of 45, as she felt she was constantly punished for her “creative choices.”
Madonna, who quotes Beyonce in her message, is unfazed by the criticism, saying that she’s happy trailblazing for the women who come after her and that no one can “break my soul.”
Fans expressed their admiration for Madonna in the comments section.
American producer Honey Dijon commented:
“What an honor and a blessing it is to be in your presence. You are such a force and I have so much love and respect for you,”
Paris Hilton said:
“Love you Queen,”
Meanwhile, many have questioned Madonna’s thoughts, questioning why she was ashamed of natural aging.
Someone shared:
“The issue isn’t the press or media. It’s that You refuse to allow yourself to Age gracefully. Whatever that looks like And for the platform You Do and have had it’s pretty disappointing for those of us girls who watched you be a power for woman now that We’re aging you present a false and altered version of Who You are,”
Another asked:
“If you are afraid of ageism Madonna why are you getting so much work to look like you are 25 years old?”