Music

Madonna marks the 30th anniversary of her controversial Sex book

By Jordan Robledo

24th October 2022

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Pop icon Madonna has reflected on her polarising coffee table book Sex in light of its 30th anniversary.

Back in 1992, the Express Yourself singer shocked the world when she released the controversial book a day after her fifth studio album Erotica.

Made up of 128 pages, the book contained an array of nude photos of the singer simulating sex acts and BDSM scenes with various models. The project also featured appearances from Naomi Campbell, Vanilla Ice and Big Daddy Kane.

At the time of its release, Madge faced major backlash for her unapologetic book due to its explicit nature.

On 22 October, the Hung Up singer reflected on the polarising release and its influence on the entertainment industry.

“30 years ago, I published a book called Sex. In addition to photos of me naked, there were photos of men kissing men, woman kissing woman and me kissing everyone,” she wrote in a now-deleted Instagram story.

“I also wrote about my sexual fantasies and shared my point of view about sexuality in an ironic way. I spent the next few years being interviewed by narrow-minded people who tried to shame me for empowering myself as a woman.

“I was called a wh*re, a witch, a heretic and the devil. Now Cardi B can sing about her WAP. Kim Kardashian can grace the cover of any magazine with her naked ass, and Miley Cyrus can come in like a wrecking ball.”

At the end of her statement, the Like A Virgin singer said, “you’re welcome bitches”, alongside a clown emoji.

In addition to her statement, the Ray of Light artist also uploaded a clip of an interview she did with Richard Carleton – which featured him calling the book “horrible.”

“I think that people’s reactions to specific situations in the book was much more a reflection of that person than me,” Madonna said in response.

While Madge’s post was praised by her fans, Cardi B seemingly took offence to the Vogue singer’s statement.

“She can make her point without putting clown emojis and getting slick out the mouth… these icons really become disappointments once u make it in the industry that’s why I keep to myself,” she wrote on Twitter.

However a few hours later, the Bodak Yellow rapper revealed that it was all water under the bridge, tweeting: “I talked to Madonna… it was beautiful… have a great day and drive safely yall.”