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Madonna has one tight slap for all of you who got freaked out by her Grammy appearance

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Ayaan Paul
Ayaan PaulFeb 10, 2023 | 16:15

Madonna has one tight slap for all of you who got freaked out by her Grammy appearance

During the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony earlier this week, the iconic pop singer Madonna, 64, introduced a performance by the award-winning non-binary musician Sam Smith and transgender singer Kim Petras. However, after images of Madonna were shared online, people expressed criticism of her appearance on social media, with many attributing it to cosmetic surgery.

Social media soon turned into a breeding ground for criticisms and memes surrounding the singer's appearance.

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Madonna responded in a lengthy Instagram post, branding the criticisms as "ageist" and rooted in "misogyny".

Madonna's post read:

"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 transwoman 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.

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"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!"

Facial plastic surgery and botox injections have become increasingly popular over the years. Despite their popularity, they often receive a significant amount of criticism and backlash, with many people suggesting that they are unnatural, vain, and a reflection of the individual's insecurities. 

However, these criticisms are harmful, not just because they are unjustified, but also because they are rooted in misogyny and societal body standards for women.

“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!”
- Madonna responds to criticisms on Instagram

The perception of women: Societal perception towards women who undergo facial plastic surgery or take botox injections often include viewing these women as vain, shallow, and desperate to maintain their youth and beauty. This perception is not only sexist but also reflects a broader societal belief that women should prioritise their looks over their intellect or their achievements, further reinforcing the idea that women's worth is inextricably tied to their physical appearance.

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Moreover, criticism of any de-ageing or facial reconstruction procedures often reflects societal body standards for women. These standards dictate that women should look young, thin, and attractive at all times, regardless of their age or circumstances. 

The pressure to conform: Women who do not adhere to these standards are often shamed, ridiculed, and dismissed as being unattractive. This pressure to conform to societal body standards is especially pronounced for women in the public eye, such as celebrities or political figures. These women are often held to impossibly high standards of beauty and criticised when they do not meet them.

For those on the receiving end of these criticisms, these can cause them to feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their decision to enhance their appearance. Furthermore, it can lead to feelings of shame and insecurity, which can have long-lasting effects on an individual's self-esteem and confidence. This is especially damaging for women who are already struggling with body image issues and insecurities about their appearance.

Women celebs and the criticism: There have been a number of women celebrities who have faced criticism for undergoing facial plastic surgery or receiving botox injections, including

  • Courteney Cox: The actress has faced criticism for her use of botox and facial fillers, with many people suggesting that she has taken her cosmetic enhancements too far.
  • Jennifer Aniston: The actress has faced criticism for her use of botox and other cosmetic procedures, with many people suggesting that she is trying to hold on to her youth and beauty.
  • Renée Zellweger: The actress faced significant criticism for her appearance after undergoing facial plastic surgery, with many people suggesting that she no longer looked like herself.
  • Sarah Jessica Parker: The actress has faced criticism for her use of botox.

It is important to recognise that people have the right to make choices about their bodies without being subjected to unfair judgment or criticism. 

Though society should strive to promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and individual autonomy, Madonna joins a lengthy list of women who have been made subject to these pathetic criticisms.

ALSO SEE: Ben Affleck was a hit meme already and Grammys 2023 made him viral once again

ALSO SEE: Most Outrageous Looks From Grammys 2023

Last updated: February 10, 2023 | 16:15
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