Madonna responds to backlash from MLK and Nelson Mandela Rebel Heart photos
As we reported earlier, Madonna came under a bit of fire for sharing photos online of black leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela with their faces wrapped in bondage cords in order to promote her new album Rebel Heart. The 56-year-old pop singer took to Facebook earlier today to defend herself and explain that she wasn’t comparing herself to the people in the photos, which also included the likes of Jesus Christ, Frida Kahlo and Homer Simpson.
In her post Madonna apologizes but says, “I’m not comparing my self to anyone,” adding, “I’m admiring and acknowledging there [sic] Rebel Hearts.” She also points out that she did not create the photos herself, her fans did — she just shared them. Here is her post in full:
“I’m sorry
I’m not comparing my self to anyone
I’m admiring and acknowledging there Rebel Hearts
This is niether a crime or an insult or racist!
I also did it with Michael jaclson and frida khalo and marilyn monroe
Am I saying I am them
NO
I’m saying they are Rebel Hearts too.
And
I didn’t do it
My fans did
And I just re posted those photos
My fans aren’t racist either
If they put me in the same category as these other people
Thank you. I’m very flattered and I hope one day to live up to 1 100th of what those people accomplished.”
– Madonna
She has since shared some additional Rebel Hearts photos, including Princess Diana and artist Basquiat:
I suppose since everyone else is doing it, we’ll get in on the game as well! Here’s out contribution to the Sgt. Madonna’s Rebel Hearts Club:
Yes Princess Diana was. ❤️#rebelheart! Anyone who fights for freedom is a ❤️#rebelheart pic.twitter.com/GDH6W6NFPC
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 3, 2015
