Callum Jones
Madonna has responded to critics who mocked her appearance at the Grammys with a lengthy statement.
The 64-year-old has been in the headlines in recent days after she introduced Grammy winners Kim Petras and Sam Smith during the annual awards show.
But many viewers took to social media to speculate about Madonna's looks.
One person on Twitter described the star as 'unrecognisable', while another said they wouldn't have realised it was her if they hadn't announced her name on-stage.
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Taking to Instagram, the legendary singer has hit back at the comments, saying that the Grammys camera had 'distorted' her face.
In the statement, Madonna also claimed she was 'caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny'.
Alongside her words, Madonna also posted a clip of herself partying with various celebrities, including Smith.
The pop star started her statement by saying it was an 'honour' for her to introduce Petras and Smith at the Grammys.
She also declared the moment a 'history making' award, before going into her defiant response to the social media comments.
Madonna 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!!
“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 past the age of 45 and feels the need to punish her If she continues to be strong willed, hard-working and adventurous.”
Madonna then went on to say that she will never apologise for her creative choices and for the way she dresses or looks.
She added: "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.
“In the words of Beyoncé ‘You-won’t break my soul’.
“I look forward to many more years of subversive behaviour - pushing boundaries - standing up to the patriarchy - and most of all enjoying my life.”
She finished her passionate post saying: "Bow down b*****s."