DON’T CRY FOR HER

Madonna Addresses Controversial Aretha Franklin Tribute at MTV VMAs

“I did not intend to do a tribute to her!” the singer said following the backlash to an MTV VMAs speech that was mostly about herself.

Madonna is attempting to “clarify” her MTV Video Music Awards “tribute” to Aretha Franklin on Tuesday after it received some serious backlash from viewers who felt it did not do the Queen of Soul justice. “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 below a photo of her with the night’s big winner Camila Cabello. “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.” Before the award show aired, executive Jesse Ignjatovic promised the VMAs would be honoring Franklin, who passed away just four days earlier, in the “best and biggest possible way.” Instead, Madonna stood on stage with a large photo of Franklin behind her and told an anecdote about her own career that was only tangentially related to the iconic soul singer.

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Matt WilsteinSenior Editor

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