Madonna at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards

Madonna Expresses Disappointment In Backlash About Her Face: 'You Won’t Break My Soul'

Home / Photos / Madonna Expresses Disappointment In Backlash About Her Face: 'You Won’t Break My Soul'

By Afouda Bamidele on February 11, 2023 at 7:00 AM PST

Madonna is tired of people talking about her face.

The legendary singer's look has been a topic of conversation since she appeared on the Grammys stage on Sunday, February 5, looking different to viewers and fans. To that end, the mother-of-six has defiantly slammed all allegations about ruining her face with multiple surgeries, posting a video of her partying with Kim Petras and Sam Smith.

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Madonna Claps Back At Trolls For Attacking Her Physical Looks, Blames Misogyny

Madonna expressed anger at people ignoring her words and focusing on her looks when she climbed the stage to introduce Petras and Smith for their Grammys win for Best Pop Duo/Group Collaboration.

It irked her even more because she had opted to introduce the pair for that category instead of presenting the coveted Album of the Year nod to Petras. In a lengthy statement that came with a video that showed her in a flurry of activities, including sharing a raunchy kiss with rapper Jozzy, the Material Girl began:

"I wanted to give the last award, which was Album of the year, but I thought it was more important that I present the first trans-woman performing at the Grammys- a History making moment!! And on top of that she won a Grammy!!"

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Madonna at the Billboard Women In Music 2016
MEGA
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The "Like a Virgin" singer claimed that the "closeup" from a "long lens camera" distorted her face and made it appear puffier and rounder than it really was. Madonna then diagnosed the problem, writing:

"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."

The New York City native added that even though she has been "degraded by the media" since the start of her career, she understood that "this is all a test," further noting:

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"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", I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior-pushing boundaries."

Several celebs immediately took to the comment section to express their appreciation for Madonna, with DJ Honey Dijon saying, "it is an honor and a blessing it is to be in your presence." Jozzy dropped three flower emojis, and Katie Piper commented, "Everything you said," along with four clapping emojis.

In the wake of her Grammys appearance, Page Six reported that one social media user wondered if Madonna had earned a nomination "for 'Best New Face' at this year's Grammy Awards?"

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A second person queried, "What magic formula was used to create # Madonna's new face? I'm so confused #GRAMMYs," along with a GIF of multiple confusing math equations.

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A third observer pointed out that Madonna had "really f**ked up her face," and fourth joked that the singer looked good for her age, if "her age is 2,700 year old vampire who eats babies and small animals alive."

The Pop Icon Gets Critiqued For The Whip She Used During The Grammys

When Madonna took the Grammys stage on Sunday night, she did it in an unusual, eye-catching fashion. Per The Blast, the "Like a Prayer" hitmaker's ensemble included a white collared shirt covered by a black blazer dress, a fishnet, and a matching tie. 

Her hair was done in a futuristic style, with two big braids behind her ears and a few tendrils framing her face. The "Body of Evidence" actress also held a whip, which she proudly showed off as she asked the Grammys crowd if they were "ready for a little controversy." 

The riding crop instantly prompted an influx of reactions from viewers, with many pondering what she needed it for. One person implored that the best-selling female recording artist of all time "just put the whip down for five f**king seconds," while another chimed in:

"Lawddd… it's Black history month, and Madonna on stage at the #GRAMMYs with a whip in her hand."

The whip-wielding moment also reminded critics of Madonna imitating a dog in a sultry Instagram video she shared last November. The clip featured her wearing a green furry crop top, shiny black shorts, and fishnet tights.

The Japan Gold Disc Award winner bumped up the look with black gloves, white sunglasses, and silver jewelry.

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