Madonna Slams "Ageism and Misogyny"-Based Commentary on Her Appearance After Grammys

Madonna remains a Hollywood icon after years in the industry — and she won't let anyone tear her down.

On Feb. 5, the pop superstar helped introduce Sam Smith and Kim Petras's performance of their hit single "Unholy" at the 2023 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Clad in an all-black ensemble, with her hair in intricate braids, the 64-year-old championed Smith and Petras, who won a golden gramophone for "Unholy" that night. While social media was alight with conversation about the fiery performance — during which Smith wore devil horns — Madonna said she, too, was subjected to chatter from online trolls.

In an Instagram post on Feb. 8, the "Like a Virgin" hitmaker wrote that it "was an honor" to introduce the duo, and she was excited to announce Petras particularly as she was the "first trans-woman performing at the Grammys- a History making moment!!"

"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!!" she wrote. "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."

Continuing her lengthy message — which accompanied a series of video clips from Grammys night, many of which Smith appeared in — Madonna told her followers, "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 then quoted Beyoncé's hit single, writing, "You-won't break my soul," and adding, "I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior -pushing boundaries-Standing up to the patriarchy -and Most of all enjoying my life."

Madonna's message comes as she prepares to embark on a world tour that will celebrate four decades of music and start July 15 in Vancouver. It will then span to the UK and Europe in October and run until its final show in Amsterdam on Dec. 1.

Keep scrolling for Instagram photos and videos from Madonna's big night at the Grammys.