{"id":500025,"date":"2026-06-23T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/numero.com\/non-classifiee-2\/madonnas-5-most-memorable-scandals-2\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T13:52:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T11:52:01","slug":"madonna-5-memorable-scandals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/music\/madonna-5-memorable-scandals\/","title":{"rendered":"Sex, pole dance, blasphemy\u2026 Madonna in 8 memorable scandals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Singer Madonna by Alberto Tolot. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Madonna<\/strong>\u2019s artistic identity has always been inseparable from controversy. Many of the scandals that have surrounded her career have actually helped shape her image as a trailblazer, especially regarding female sexuality, religion and freedom of expression. As her new album, Confessions II<\/strong><\/em>, is scheduled for release on July 3rd, 2026, Num\u00e9ro<\/em>\u00a0takes a look back at the greatest outbursts and provocations of the pop music pioneer who inspired today’s singers, like Rihanna<\/a>, Beyonc\u00e9<\/a>, Britney Spears, Anitta<\/a>,<\/strong> and Cardi B.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, Madonna<\/strong> has found herself at the centre of debates surrounding her physical appearance. Some online critics are claiming that she has undergone excessive cosmetic surgery, while others argue that she is too old to dance in such a sexual manner. After the release of Confessions II \u2013 The Film<\/strong><\/em> in June 2026, sexist and ageist criticism was widespread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Singer Madonna by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The artist by Patrick Demarchelier. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Madonna by Siung Sat Tjia. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Singer Madonna by Steven Klein. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Madonna by Alberto Tolot. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Superstar Madonna by Ricardo Gomes. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Madonna by Ricardo Gomes. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Madonna by Ricardo Gomes. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Recent controversies: Age, cosmetic surgery and huge delays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It often seems as though almost everything is held against the singer, whether fairly or not. During The Celebration Tour<\/strong><\/em>, many concertgoers expressed frustration over the star\u2019s frequent and significant delays. She also sparked outrage after asking a disabled fan in a wheelchair to stand up during a concert, an incident that triggered widespread criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 67-year-old icon embarked on an international tour between 2023 and 2024. Produced by Live Nation, The Celebration Tour<\/strong><\/em> was supposed to kick off in the United States on July 15th, 2023, before continuing across Europe. However, following a serious bacterial infection that led to her hospitalization, the star was forced to suspend the tour and reschedule the concert dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tour eventually started in London on October 14th, 2023. Madonna<\/strong> performed at Paris\u2019s Accor Arena on November 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th, 2023. While she undeniably delivered on stage, she nevertheless faced criticism from some reviewers and audience members. The main aspects were the lack of power in her voice and a stage performance that did not have the energy they had expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Madonna by Patrick Demarchelier. \u00a9 Courtesy of Live Nation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Accusations of cultural appropriation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before that, Madonna had faced other criticisms. In 2018, some people accused her of cultural appropriation on social media. The reason? One of her looks, inspired by North African and Middle Eastern aesthetics. At the MTV Video Music Awards<\/strong>, the star appeared in traditional North African-inspired clothing and jewellery, including a horned headdress, silver necklaces and a Moroccan-style tunic. Throughout her career, Madonna has repeatedly been accused of taking elements from various cultures, including African American, Latino, Japanese and South Asian cultures, for her own profit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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