Madonna Addresses Backlash over Aretha Franklin VMAs Tribute

As we all know now, Madonna's tribute to Aretha Franklin didn't exactly go over so well during the MTV Video Music Awards last night (August 20). In the wake of all the backlash, however, Madonna has now issued a statement in her defence.

Via an Instagram post today, Madonna said she actually "did not intend to do a tribute" to the late Aretha Franklin at all.

"I was asked to present Video of the Year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin!" Madonna wrote. "I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way."

She then added, "Unfortunately most people have short attention spans, and are so quick to judge."

Read Madonna's post in full below.
 

 

Im with the Winner!! The beautiful @camila_cabello ! So proud of her! 🌈💕🎉. And just to clarify: I was asked to present video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin! I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her! That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment. Unfortunately most people have short attention spans, and are so quick to judge. I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T. 🙏🏼. I Love Camilla! Congrats! I LOVE my dress! AND. I love-L O V E!! ♥️ and there is nothing anyone can say or do that will change that. #vmas #postivevibes

A post shared by Madonna (@madonna) on Aug 21, 2018 at 9:23am PDT

You can read more about the negative reaction to Madonna's VMAs appearance over here.