Madonna hits back over ‘distorted’ photos of herself at the Grammys

Madonna has slammed the “long lens cameras” at the Grammys – as her own photos from the event show her looking completely different.

Madonna in photos from the Grammys.

Madonna took to social media on Tuesday to slam the internet’s strong reaction to her “unrecognisable” face at the 2023 Grammys.

The singer explained that she had been excited to present Sam Smith and Kim Petras (who became the first trans woman to perform at the award ceremony and win a Grammy) ahead of their “history-making performance” for Unholy but instead, people chose to focus on her looks, Page Six reports.

The 64-year-old said: “Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim, many people chose to only talk about close-up photos of me taken with a long lens camera by a press photographer that would distort anyone’s face!”

Madonna photographed onstage at the Grammys … Picture: Getty

… and backstage with Cardi B, in a shot she posted to Instagram.

“Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in. A world that refuses to celebrate women pass [sic] the age of 45 and feels the need to punish her if she continues to be strong-willed, hardworking and adventurous.”

Madonna went on to say that she has “never apologised for any of the creative choices” she’s made nor the way she looks or dresses – and she won’t start now.

Madonna says photos of her onstage were ‘distorted’. Picture: Getty

Madonna with Sam Smith. Picture: Instagram

“I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come,” she continued before quoting Beyoncé’s, “BREAK MY SOUL.”

The controversial singer told her fans that she looks “forward to many more years of subversive behaviour – pushing boundaries – standing up to the patriarchy – and most of all enjoying my life.”

Madonna criticised the use of a ‘long lens camera’. Picture: Picture: Getty

The singer shared this candid backstage pic of herself.

Along with her unapologetic rant, Madonna shared a behind-the-scenes look at her shenanigans at the Grammys, which included making rude gestures with Sam Smith, posing with Cardi B, and showing off her lacy bra. She even tongue-kissed songwriter Jozzy.

She also posted a close-up selfie to her Twitter account, along with the caption: “The world is threatened by my power and my stamina. My intelligence and my will to survive. But they will never break me this is all the test.”

Her post comes after fans expressed their concern for the singer when they could barely recognise her at the Grammys.

Madonna circa 2012. Picture: AFP

Madonna also posted this selfie to Twitter, captioned: "The world is threatened by my power and my stamina."

However, a source told The Post that Madonna’s appearance comes from the singer’s desire to resemble her 2000s heyday – but in trying to stop the ageing process, she’s making herself almost unrecognisable.

Plastic surgeons previously told Page Six they believe she’s had a facelift, nose job and “pulled back” skin – among other work.

While the musical legend has never publicly addressed rumours of plastic surgery, the performer said in 2012, “I am certainly not against plastic surgery. However, I am absolutely against having to discuss it.”

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission