Madonna Addresses Hateful Comments About Her Face, Calling Them ‘the Glare of Ageism and Misogyny’

Madonna’s appearance at the 2023 Grammys, where she served as a presenter, led some commenters on the internet to focus too much on her appearance and make hateful comments about her “new face.” But the 64-year-old singer took to her Instagram to call out that chatter for exactly what it is: another example of the “ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in, a world that refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45,” she wrote.

She shared her feelings taking it all in and how she was disappointed that some people missed the bigger point of what she was doing on the Grammys stage: celebrating Kim Petras and Sam Smith’s work.

“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,” she wrote pointedly. “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.’”

Read her full post below:

It was an honor for me to Introduce. Kim Petras and Sam Smith at the Grammys. 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!! ♥️

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!!

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.

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.
In the words of Beyonce “ You-won’t break my soul”,

I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior -pushing boundaries-Standing up to the patriarchy -and Most of all enjoying my life.

Bow down bitches! 💃🏼🪩🎤💄🎼👠

Senior News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.