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Madonna has hit back at ageist critics and explained that she believes we still live in a "very sexist society".
- UPDATE: Madonna fell over her cape at the BRIT Awards, Twitter reacted. Watch it here
In a new cover story with Rolling Stone Madonna explains her belief that ageism is the lone area where discrimination is still acceptable.
"It's still the one area where you can totally discriminate against somebody," Madonna explained, "and talk shit. Because of their age. Only females, though. Not males. So in that respect we still live in a very sexist society."
"No one would dare to say a degrading remark about being black or dare to say a degrading remark on Instagram about someone being gay," she went on. "But my age – anybody and everybody would say something degrading to me. And I always think to myself, why is that accepted? What's the difference between that and racism, or any discrimination? They're judging me by my age."
She continued: "I don't understand. I'm trying to get my head around it. Because women, generally, when they reach a certain age, have accepted that they're not allowed to behave a certain way. But I don't follow the rules. I never did, and I'm not going to start."
She also addressed the feud between her and Gaga - or lack thereof.
"I don't think she wants my crown," the singer explains. "We live in a world where people like to pit women against each other. And this is why I love the idea of embracing other females who are doing what I'm doing. . .The only time I ever criticized Lady Gaga was when I felt like she blatantly ripped off one of my songs. It's got nothing to do with 'she's taking my crown' or 'she's in some space of mine.' She has her thing. I do think she's a very talented singer and songwriter.
"It was just that one issue. And everybody's obviously running with it and turned it into a huge feud, which I think is really boring, quite frankly. And you know what? I don't care anymore. Here's the thing: one day everyone's going to shut up about it. You'll see! I have a plan."
Read the full interview in the new issue of Rolling Stone, out now.
Madonna will perform tonight (Wednesday 25 February) at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London. Other performers include Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith,George Ezra, Royal Blood and Take That.
Speaking on the red carpet to Heat, Ed Sheeran discussed his thoughts on Madonna. "I think stand by your shot," he said. "I like her unapologetic attitude – if you create something you stand by it. I might not get it the whole time, but I like how she stands by what she believes in – this is me, like it or lump it."
While it will no doubt be a huge moment during the ceremony, Madonna's appearance on the bill hasn't been universally welcomed. Morrissey singled out the singer as everything that's wrong about the awards. "For 2015, we have MacDonna, who had a quiet 2014 (but who is quite usefully about to release her new album!), yet here she is again promoting her frightening career on the Brit Awards even though her music has not ever said anything at all about British life."
Madonna is widely expected to announce a world tour in the next few weeks. Anticipation for shows is returning to fever pitch among Madge fans, after an Australian ticket website last year suggested that dates for 2015 would be announced soon. But now, with her 13th studio LP on the horizon and with her putting together a new stage experience, it seems the wait could soon be over.
Recent Madonna tours have hit headlines for numeous reasons. Her Stick & Sweet Tour between 2008 and 2009 saw her perform to over 3.5 million fans in 32 countries, grossing a total of US $408 million - breaking records at Wembley Stadium. The 2012 MDNA tour was a sold-out run of 88 dates, ranking the year's top grossing tour with $305 million but attracting much controversy for nudity, showing her support for Pussy Riot and brandishing a handgun on stage.
Can she top her recent world tours? See Gigwise for latest Madonna tour news. For tickets and more information, visit Gigwise Tickets.
