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Madonna: Ageism and misogyny won't break my soul

The 64-year-old pop star said her appearance should not have been the focus of her appearance at the Grammy Awards.

Watch: Madonna said she is disappointed to still be a target for ageism and misogyny

Madonna remains defiant as she responded to the focus on her face when she appeared on stage at the Grammy Awards.

The 64-year-old pop star - who introduced Kim Petras and Sam Smith's performance at the ceremony - has said she is disappointed to still be a target for ageism and misogyny, but insisted she will not be broken by it.

Madonna said in a statement on Instagram: "I thought it was more important that I present the first trans- woman performing at the Grammys - a history making moment!! And on top of that she won a Grammy!!

Read more: Madonna announces huge tour: How to buy tickets for her London O2 concerts

"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!

She went on: "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 speaks on stage at the 65th Grammy Awards, held at the Crytpo.com Arena on February 5, 2023. -- (Photo by Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Madonna said she had been the target of misogyny and ageism over her appearance. (Getty Images)

"I have never apologised for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start. 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 Beyonce, 'You-won’t break my soul'."

Madonna added: "I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior -pushing boundaries - standing up to the patriarchy - and most of all enjoying my life.

"Bow down b***hes."

Madonna speaks onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
Madonna said she is used to being the target of misogyny and ageism. (Getty Images)

The Express Yourself singer - never one to shy away from breaking with convention - attracted speculation on social media with her appearance as to whether she had undergone facial cosmetic surgery.

Madonna began her music career in the 80s with 1983 debut album Madonna.

Over four decades she has continued to top the music charts with evolving styles of music and changing appearances which challenged the mainstream.

She recently announced six UK concerts as part of a new world tour featuring her greatest hits.

Madonna speaks onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
Madonna said she will not be broken by the patriarchy. (Getty Images)

The Vogue singer will visit 35 cities during Madonna: The Celebration Tour, which has been billed as a "one-of-a-kind experience".

Read more: Madonna biopic plans scrapped ahead of world tour

The much-anticipated tour will include six nights at London's O2 Arena. Here's how you can get tickets.