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Madonna speaks out for the FIRST time since backlash over Aretha Franklin speech

The 80's icon has addressed the backlash

MTV

Madonna has spoken out for the first time since she received huge backlash for her Aretha Franklin speech, at the VMAS.

The singer took to the stage at the award show on Monday, where she talked about the Queen of Soul who died last week, however, she seemed to dwell only on how Aretha impacted her.

She opened her tribute to Aretha with “Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life.”

“She led me to where I am today, and I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight, and I want to thank you Aretha for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the queen.”

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

Its safe to say that viewers of the show were disgusted with the singers tribute.

Madonna has now come out to defend herself, in an instagram post where she stated “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.”

MTV
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