Madonna doesn't have to do much to be talked about - the talk comes from pop diva territory. But that doesn't mean she's not ready to make bold, iconic and often controversial moves. She gained notoriety at the VMAs for her performance at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, which included a kiss with Britney Spears. Even her kiss with a visibly uncomfortable Drake at the 2015 Coachella music festival outraged people and received backlash on Twitter.
Recently , the 64-year-old made waves again with her Vanity Fair cover after announcing her 40th anniversary tour. Madonna appeared on the cover of the first "Icon Issue" of Vanity Fair magazine in Italy, France and Spain. The magazine invited photographers Luigi and Iango to create provocative images in line with the magazine's aim of "artistic projects including exhibitions, short films, collaborations between fashion, art and design, and urban art performances". "
In the series of photos, the "Crazy For You" singer wears John Galliano's stylized designs for Maison Margiela, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Jean Paul Gaultier, among others. The resulting editorial included Madonna copying religious images, including references to the Virgin Mary, and the Last Supper, which caused a Twitter schism.
In one camp, Madonna fans loved the shoot. "Long live the Virgin Madonna," one user wrote on Twitter.
Some even pointed out similar references to past celebrities, including Lana Del Rey's Met Gala look and Drag Race 's Mimi Imfurst.
However, not everyone appreciated the biblical references, with many criticizing the editorial as "blasphemous." One user wrote: "I have no idea what happened to Madonna or Vanity Fair, but at best this looks fishy and at worst this looks fishy."
There are also those who consider the shooting offensive. User itsnatlydenise simply wrote: "My #Jesus is not a #Madonna outfit."
Although some noted the "awful" retouching.
Speaking about the controversial images, Madonna explained in a Vanity Fair interview that it was "just a set." "Look closely at the image: I have a crown on my head, I'm wearing fancy clothes, I'm standing above the altar. Do you know how I feel? I feel exposed and attacked. It's just a metaphor, just a scene." She She even recalled a time when she was "harshly criticized by the Catholic Church," which was unaware that her work "was trying to produce something good." "As an artist, my work unites people and gives them freedom of expression and solidarity," she said.
