Madonna hits back at critics claiming she was drunk on stage

Madonna has hit back at critics claiming she was drunk on stage during last week’s ‘Tears of a Clown’ show in Melbourne, saying sexism and misogyny underlies the backlash against her emotionally-charged performance.

The 57-year-old took to the stage at The Forum in Melbourne last Friday (March 10) for an intimate gig consisting off rarities, little-performed classics and even stand-up comedy. Dressed in a billowing clown costume and heavy make-up, the famously controlled star entered the stage on a tricycle and sipped on a cocktail.

That touring life …………,,,,,,#tearsofaclown Finally made it to Melbourne

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Mar 11, 2016 at 11:20pm PST

In an emotionally-charged set, Madge dedicated the track ‘Intervention’ to her recently estranged son Rocco, just days after she choked up on stage while broaching the topic of the 15-year-old’s recent decision to move to the UK to be with his father, British director Guy Ritchie.

Criticism of the unlikely performance was lead by British tabloid The Sun the very next day, who ran a front page story about the “smashed” star under the headline ‘Like a Third Gin?’

the sun

Madonna has now responded to the manufactured outrage, however, taking to Instagram to share a comment from a fan defending her from the “media onslaught” and reminding people that “she has always been, from day one, savagely devoted to her show”.

Thanks for supporting me. Too bad people don’t know the art of acting and playing a character. I could never do any of my shows high or drunk. And yes underlying all of this is sexism and mysongony which proves that not only do we not get equal pay bUt we are still treated like heretics if we step out of line and think outside the box! . Sexism is alive and kicking but i am ❤️#livingforlove

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Mar 14, 2016 at 9:33pm PDT

In an accompanying caption the Ghosttown singer thanked fans for their ongoing support, and lashed out at the treatment of women who appear to “step out of line”.

“Thanks for supporting me. Too bad people don’t know the art of acting and playing a character. I could never do any of my shows high or drunk”, she wrote.

“And yes underlying all of this is sexism and mysongony [sic] which proves that not only do we not get equal pay bUt we are still treated like heretics if we step out of line and think outside the box!”

She concluded: “Sexism is alive and kicking but i am #livingforlove”.

Madonna’s Rebel Heart World Tour will come to an end in Sydney on March 20.

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