Pop icon Madonna just sold out her global Celebration tour, and after 40 years in the industry she continues to make waves - yet the world is fixated on her physical appearance.
Yesterday at the 2023 Grammy Awards Madonna took the stage to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smithfor their 'Unholy' appearance. 'Here’s what I’ve learned after four decades in music,' she began in her speech. 'If they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative or dangerous, you’re definitely onto something.'
As she spoke viewers took to social media to make vile comments on her appearance – specifically her face. 'Whaaaaaat happened to Madonna’s face?! #GRAMMYs,' one viewer wrote. Whilst another commented, 'Me attempting to ignore the fact that Madonna has a whole new face. #GRAMMYs,' along with a meme video of Adele looking confused at a basketball game.
It has been cruel to watch the internet mock and troll her relentlessly. Soon after, 'Madonna plastic surgery' and 'Madonna's new face' started rising to the top of Google searches. I would say I'm shocked to see the world critiquing Madonna on her face rather than celebrating her fantastic achievements - but I'm not. Women's physical appearance always takes precedent over their talent or artistry. It's worth highlighting that you rarely see male celebrities asked to explain their suddenly plumper face or more chiselled jawline, despite the many examples of them also seeking plastic surgery.
Over the years, there has been much speculation about the work Madonna has had done, and the singer has been relentlessly hounded and questioned for a list of procedures. However, Madonna has neither confirmed or denied the rumours - as she should. The singer dosen't owe the world any explanation on what she chooses to do with her body or face. With celebrities there is a misconception that we are owed an answer - but for such an intimate topic, we are not. In a 2012 interview the Material Girl singer said, 'I am certainly not against plastic surgery. However, I am absolutely against having to discuss it.'
It's a double-edged sword: The world condemns women for seeking plastic surgery, then condemns them for either choosing to be open about it and potentially encouraging other women to do so, or choosing not to and 'hiding' how they achieved their look. The speculation about Madonna's 'changing face' is so harmful. In doing so you are really just asking someone to answer invasive questions. We wouldn't like to be asked that - just because Madonna's in the spotlight why should she have to endure it?
The world must stop blaming female celebrities for 'encouraging' younger girls to get surgery and instead inspect the world we live in. What we really must look into is the continued obscene beauty standards that are conditioned into society.
We're glad Madonna has not responded to the trolls and chosen to rise about the hate. Her opening speech at the Grammy's told the critics all they needed to know: 'As long as the world is talking, you're on to something!'
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