The Queen of Pop is causing a commotion yet again.
Madonna may be known for her iconic performances at the VMAs, whether she’s bringing voguing into our living rooms or kissing Britney Spears on stage, but during this year’s awards ceremony she made headlines for the wrong reasons.
It was announced last-minute that the iconic singer would be making an appearance to present the Video Of The Year award – which went to Camilla Cabello’s Havana – and she used her moment to pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin.
“Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life,” she began her speech, before going on to talk about the beginning of her own career, and her struggles to make it as a pop star in the music industry.
“You are probably all wondering why I am telling you this story. There is a connection, because none of this would have happened, could have happened, without our lady of soul,” she added.
“She led me to where I am today. And I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight. In this room tonight. And I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us. R-e-s-p-e-c-t. Long live the queen.”
People are upset about Madonna's Aretha Franklin tribute at the VMA's 'cos it was basically all about her and not Aretha. Whatchu think? Here's a snippet
Video credit @TheRaroLae pic.twitter.com/9loUPGTG24
— Kenzy Mohapi (@KenzyMohapi) August 21, 2018
While she may have gotten around to addressing the Queen of Soul eventually, many viewers have criticised Madonna for appearing to make the tribute about herself rather than Aretha, labelling her “disrespectful”.
“Madonna has been entitled and gentrifying [black] things for a LONG time,” wrote activist Brittany Packnett. “The fact that you made a moment about OUR Queen about YOU is just another example to add to the list.”
https://twitter.com/MsPackyetti/status/1031756533837647872
https://twitter.com/MsPackyetti/status/1031756820279246848
https://twitter.com/kingsleyyy/status/1031746537527767040
Madonna made Aretha Franklin's death about herself and her own musical journey, and honestly, this is some of the whitest shit I have ever seen. #VMAs
— Evette Dionne (@freeblackgirl) August 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/SowmyaK/status/1031745034633265152
Others came to Madonna’s defence, though, reminding viewers that her appearance was last minute.
“What people don’t know is that she was only supposed to present video of the year,” said one fan. “The VMAs got her to say something about Aretha last minute. This wasn’t supposed to be a tribute or anything.”
I am well aware of the fact that Madonna’s speech was more about herself than Aretha. But what people dont know is that she was only supposed to present video of the year; the VMAs got her to say something about Aretha last minute. This wasn’t supposed to be a tribute or anything
— M A D A M E ❌tra (@musique_163) August 21, 2018
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