Madonna has declared on social media that she is refusing to let the haters get her down.
On February 5, the 64-year-old 'Material Girl' songstress attended the 2023 Grammy Awards to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith before their controversial performance of their number one single 'Unholy'.
The iconic hitmaker asked the crowd: "Are you ready for a little controversy?", before adding: "Here’s what I’ve learned after four decades in music. If they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative, or dangerous, you are definitely onto something."
The question is, was Madonna ready for a little controversy? Soon after she appeared on screen, viewers began scrutinizing her looks which prompted her to share a statement on her Instagram.
Read Madonna's response to critics below:The Pop queen wrote that she was grateful to introduce the 30-year-old singers before addressing critics: "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. "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."
She then 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.'"
Two days later, the 'Like A Virgin' star took to her Twitter to post a cryptic message, penning: "The world is threatened by my power and my stamina. My intelligence and my will to survive, but they will never break me. This is all the test."
Many users on the social media platform responded to her ominous tweet, thinking it is a continuation of her post-Grammys clap-back and sent her praises in the replies.
One user wrote: "My Queen! I owe you everything I learned about girl power!"
Another remarked: "Still standing in the toughest game."
A third commented: "You are EVERYTHING M! You are Mother. you are THE blue print. The real ones respect your message. You are beauty and strength. Thank you for ALL you’ve done and continue to do. Much love!!!"
A fourth said: "You’re a gift. We love you."
Despite what the naysayers said, Madonna expressed in her Instagram caption that she looks forward to "many more years of subversive behavior, pushing boundaries and Standing up to the patriarchy".
We have absolutely no doubts she will continue to be a trailblazer for decades to come.