Madonna Snaps Back at Criticisms of Her Grammys Look

Madonna responded on social media to an influx of insults about her appearance sparked by photos taken of her at the Grammys.

Since starting her career in the ’70s, Madonna has been a fan and follower of an ever-evolving movement to break artistic boundaries. The star never allows herself to be confined to definitions of “ordinary,” nor has she slowed down her adventurous personality. And she won’t apologize for it.

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. pic.twitter.com/XvcaaG0Rrs

— Madonna (@Madonna) February 7, 2023

Although the choices Madonna makes for herself have nothing to do with others, many people feel the need to give their input. This has been especially true since last week’s Grammys. Arriving in a suit and tie that cloaked a black, lace corset, paired with braided pigtails and a natural glam makeup look, there was nothing outlandish about Madonna’s appearance.

Still, the public and the media alike are deeming her unrecognizable. In a response posted on Instagram Madonna states, “Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny.”

Hollywood is notorious for kicking many celebrities to the curb once they become too old. But Hollywood’s version of too old is, more often than not, once someone reaches middle age. Only a select few actors, often the extraordinary ones, are lucky enough to bypass this arbitrary unofficial rule.

This phenomenon seen in Hollywood works more against women than it does against men. As Madonna calls it, we live in “A world that refuses to celebrate women past 45.” Time compiled charts showing a trend that after the age of 30, men receive more roles.

This rings true in all fields of entertainment. Once they reach 30 years old, women’s ability to succeed as celebrities drops dramatically. This follows a pattern of sexism in the world, following the idea that women must be youthful to be worthwhile.

Madonna has been facing ridicule in the media for decades, ever since she reached what Hollywood deems an old age.

This is how the media treated Madonna when she was 35 years old and this is how they are treating her now that she’s 64 years old. Nothing changed in almost 3 decades… pic.twitter.com/6ruwe2rQJ0

— was MDNASPEARSS (@mediamdnaspears) February 7, 2023

It seems that people only accept an “older” woman’s fame when she follows the notion of aging gracefully. Madonna’s choices, from her wardrobe to cosmetic procedures, have struck a chord with many. Here are just a few of the comments being spread about the star.

Susanna Hoffs, co-founder of “The Bangles” and Madonna

Both 64yrs old.

Class, clean living, and being a decent person have lasting effects. pic.twitter.com/Vxo9DMDvEm

— ꧁🍃 Ɣ 🍃꧂ (@V_its_me_) February 9, 2023

Letting yourself age gracefully is far more beautiful than plastic surgery. Here’s proof:

Madonna at 64 My mum at 64 pic.twitter.com/VWdqxnBmsc

— Layah Heilpern (@LayahHeilpern) February 6, 2023

Madonna, like many other women, never asks for input on her appearance, and yet, still receives it. But she knows how these industries work against women and she continues to fight against it.

With decades of success to prove it, Madonna is clearly doing something right. From day one, she has fought against social conventions, seeing right past negativity and staying true to herself. The star is an inspiration not only artistically, but for women in the arts and around the world.