Madonna is being championed by anti-vaxxers on the right after she was asked by playwright Jeremy O. Harris in a recent interview for V Magazine about where peace exists in a world affected by a pandemic.
“It’s interesting because peace is subjective,” the singer said. “The way people think about the pandemic, for instance, that the vaccination is the only answer, or the polarization of thinking, you’re either on this side or the other. There’s no debate, there’s no discussion.”
It didn’t take long for right-wing media outlets to latch onto those words.
Fox News, which usually hates Madonna, ran a rare complimentary article with a headline that stated “Madonna speaks out on cancel culture: ‘No one’s allowed to say what they really think’”. Meanwhile, over at Newsmax, the headline reads, “Madonna Weighs in on Cancel Culture: ‘No One’s Allowed to Speak Their Mind'”
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Then there are those on Twitter who are absolutely thrilled to see her say something that vaguely supports their extreme anti-science agendas…
Madonna says there is “no debate or discussion” about vaccines due to fear of being “cancelled”
Absolute Queen! We need more public figures speaking out against this culture of paranoid conformism.
— Bella Wallersteiner (@BellaWallerstei) November 2, 2021
Madonna: “The way people think about the pandemic, for instance, that the vaccination is the only answer or the polarization of thinking you're either on this side or the other. There's no debate, there's no discussion." Advocates for free speech ??? https://t.co/3peBowcYVr
— Non-fat Latte Girl (@nflattegirl) November 2, 2021
First of all, if that is Madonna, I finally agree with her on something 👏
— Charles (@ChattChuck) November 2, 2021
I don't think I have ever agreed with her b4 this…
Madonna claims there is ‘no debate or discussion’ about vaccines because of ‘cancel culture’
Adam White— Musex (@Musex58475389) October 30, 2021
Bravo @madonna for speaking out over the toxic Cancel Culture. Glad someone as iconic and big as her is waking up. Madonna says there's "no debate or discussion" over vaccines due to "cancel culture" https://t.co/g611J033io
— Michael Ball ?? (@MichaelYoga79) November 2, 2021
Maybe now the lunatics on the left will listen since she said something that everyone with half an IQ point should see.
— cryptohopeful (@cryptohopeful8) November 2, 2021
Interesting ?Madonna claims there is ‘no debate or discussion’ about vaccines because of ‘cancel culture’https://t.co/pyjY4CJPjN
— shelley Hawkes Montgomery (@shelleymonty1) October 31, 2021
Pop icon Madonna is speaking out against cancel culture.
In a recent interview with playwright Jeremy O. Harris for V Magazine, Madonna said that the censorship taking place these days is “frightening
I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO BURN THE WHITE HOUSE..NEVER TOO LATE TO REDEEM YOURSELF— Anthony (@Tony19542) November 2, 2021
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the singer has made unhelpful comments about coronavirus. Last year, her Instagram account was flagged for posting vaccine misinformation.
According to the BBC, she shared a video that claimed a COVID vaccine had already been discovered but was being kept secret in order to “let the rich get richer”.
Then, of course, there was that infamous “great equalizer” bathtub video that briefly appeared on her Instagram page in March 2020 before being taken down.
Speaking to Harris, Madonna added, “No one’s allowed to speak their mind right now. No one’s allowed to say what they really think about things for fear of being canceled, cancel culture. In cancel culture, disturbing the peace is probably an act of treason.”
“The thing is, the quieter you get, the more fearful you get, the more dangerous anything is. We’re giving it power by shutting the f*ck up completely.”
Related: Madonna called Dave Chappelle “the next James Baldwin” in her new tour doc and fans are pissed
Gabby
This website hates Madonna. It is sad considering all that she has done for the gay community even before it was profitable. I saw her last tour and she was so good.
Toofie
Yeah, it’s a bit much the bile they have for her. Anything negative that gets a little traction about her they run with an article.
ChrisKOne
Her giving ammo to the right wingers (who like to see us 6 feet under) is not helping the gay community. She thinks we’re not having enough debate on the vaccine; obviously she does not watch the news. Maybe she should read a newspaper for a change.
Cam
Except you’re trying to deflect from her comment.
She said what she said, and the only thing this site did was report on it.
BaltoSteve
You know what gets positive relevant press coverage? Doing positive things, now… not 30+ years ago. Do shitty things now, you get shitty coverage now. It really isn’t rocket science.
mastik8
We should all support and advocate for Free Speech.
Mister P
Of course, no one is against free speech. The right likes to say everyone is against it though.
Broadcasting lies for profit should not be permitted.
Vince
“No one’s allowed to speak their mind”
You can speak your mind. Anti Vaxxers never stopped. It just doesn’t mean that you’re free from criticism.
ChrisKOne
THIS.
Hillers
A thousand times over. You cannot speak your mind with impunity. It would be nice if disagreement could lead to civil debate, but most human beings aren’t wired that way.
Prax07
When free speech becomes spouting misinformation, outright lies, and conspiracies against factual data it shouldn’t be allowed or tolerated. Stamp that garbage out completely.
sam83
This site is obsessed with trying to destroy Madonna’s legacy and quick to post any quick bait drivel to make her look bad. Did she say she’s anti vax? Not at all. She was speaking about cancel culture as a whole. Queerty never trashes Gaga who worked with a pedophile or Dua /countless other artists for working with homophobic rappers (and I don’t think they should) but anything Madonna says or does is red meat and reported in a toxic and slanderous way. Remind the Gen Z gays what Britney ever did for them? Or Beyonce? Madonna has had our backs since day 1.
BoomerMyles
Face it. A large population of gays DONT like Madonna.
BaltoSteve
Or perhaps, this site is holding her accountable for her words and actions. And that if she wants to be perceived favorably, she should actually do something worth praise?
Cam
Except, she said what she said, and they simply reported it.
Explain your problem.
Doug
“Ally” or not, I have never found this woman to be particularly talented. She has very little range as a singer, she’s incredibly narcissistic, and she continues to reinvent herself year after year ad nauseum in order to stay in the public eye. She’s always reminded me of a human pr job with very little actual substance. So sue me, but I still don’t understand why some gay men go so crazy over her.
ZzBomb
Lady, it’s time to retire. Take your legendary status and just go. Thank you for all that you’ve done but your shelf life has expired and this moment right here is your sign.
Fname Optional Lname
Oh she is sooo desperate to stay relevant as she feels the weight of her age grasping every joint and limb in her body! Her children are getting older and from the hints they have given most won’t stick around long after their 21 candles are blown out. She hounds young artists in hopes of getting seen mingling with the 20/30 somethings! How revolting. Not saying she should resort to a life of golf or bingo but at least stay in your lane Madge! We will always love you so this is a friendly bit of shade – sashay away!
bsg1967
Before I rush to judgement gonna look into it, but judging by her choices of late I’d not be surprised.
ScottOnEarth
She’s right about cancel culture but this woman lives in a bubble and doesn’t understand that her reckless comments about getting vaccinated are not helping.
Cam
People that get too deep into that “Wellness” B.S. are one step away from the anti-vaxxer cult B.S.
Claiming that “Here is the cures medical science doesn’t WANT you to know” and them spending $150.00 on a bottle of water that was set near “healing Crystals” or thinking that a cup with a little burning wick on it will remove undefined “Toxins” from the body is two sides of the same coin with crazy Trump supporters claiming that the Vaccine is fake and Covid is like the flu but media is lying.
So no surprise Madonna is sounding like a Trumper, so is Russel Brand and some others who are all into this wellness B.S.
Openminded
Damn, for once, Cam and I are pretty much on the same page. Rarely if ever are radical agendas the right way to go. Always more logic to hit the middle of the road (except when on the interstate.)
dynamic33
Madonna is 93 years old and hasn’t been relevant in decades. She should be spending more time looking into retirement homes than spewing nonsense she doesn’t understand. The same goes for anyone who listens to anything she has to say.
Mr. Stadnick
Madonna is turning into a parody of herself. She is walking the same walk that Mae West did. Madonna should look at Mae West’s latter day movies and TV appearances and learn something from her. Learn it is sometimes better to retire. Another argument is Madonna wants to go right wing and create a new personae.
Jim
Madonna is a has been media whore.
Any questions ?
gregg2010
Let’s give the girl a break. Madonna is desperately trying to remain relevant. I loved the former Madonna. This new incarnation, not so much.
bsg1967
Agreed
jamesciccone
This is totally taken out of context. Madonna is always used for click bait – she gets the most comments on Queerty over any other article. She’s always been Marmite – I’m horrified by the way people feel it’s OK to abuse her publicly – she is an artist. A female artist in a male orientated industry – which she’s tipped the balance back into female. And she has always championed equality and diversity – whether you’re a fan or not. Have some respect for her staying true to her art and her purpose. She’s on your side. If you’re still clicking on her page – “bitch you’re a fan” – get over it!!!
Robert Bradley
I’ve read the Bible front to back and not once did the Madonna mention cancel culture or a Vaccine. Let’s not forget the blond ambition is soooo old. Why is this relevant?
GentlemanCaller
Calm down. This is just her Cranky-Old-Karen-Bitching-About-Stuff-She-Doesn’t-Understand era.
A Nickname (required)
Madonna disappointing – not news.
Openminded
I’d love to be around when all these Madonna haters turn her age. Maybe then they will realize just how “has been” she ain’t.
MISTERJETT
it’s good when you’re utilizing your right to free speech that you’re speaking the truth.
Cozmo2
Leave this old lady alone