Madonna performs onstage at the Live 8 concert, London (2005), next to Birhan Woldu, a former Ethiopian famine victim (1983–1985)

Madonna has been known for her philanthropic endeavors, activism and political commentaries. She began as one of the first mainstream musicians to advocate in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.[1][2] Throughout her career, Madonna has advocated and supporting different causes including human rights, such as women's and LGBT rights. She has used her social media channels to motivate her followers and raise awareness about various social concerns. Since her early career, Madonna has defined that with her fame comes the responsibility to be a spokesperson.

She has donated time and money in sizeable quantities to numerous charitable organizations, and sometimes made it as a quiet donor. Her endeavors also include performing in various benefit concerts or participating in different charity records. Madonna founded her own charitable organizations in 1998 (Ray of Light Foundation) and 2006 (Raising Malawi). The first serves areas all over the world, while the second focuses their efforts on Malawi. 

Madonna's activism and political commentaries are also known for her sometimes outrage views, bold statements, provocative tones and supporting manner, which have garnered her criticism. From a broader sense, many authors have included her, in the generalized criticism of activism or philanthropy made by public figures. Her humanitarian efforts in Malawi were polarized by a series of events, including the adoptions she made. Despite the all sorts of criticism she has encountered, various have appreciated her endeavors describing her views as "outspoken" but "candorous" while maintaining a view of Madonna as a person who is "firm in her convictions" despite any backlash or treatment directed at her persona and popularity. During the height of her fame, reviewers from academic Douglas Kellner to journalist Matt Cain have remarked on how she helped bring some social concerns into the mainstream in her generation. Others have emphasized and underlined Madonna's effect on subsequent generations of musicians in various ways. Named a "Goodwill Ambassador for Child Welfare" by Malawian president Peter Mutharika, her charitable efforts have been recognized in some ceremony awards, including the AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) by her help in the AIDS crisis.

Noteworthy charity supports

Madonna's philanthropic endeavors include different causes. In Women Icons of Popular Music (2009), Carrie Havranek comments that "she downplays much of [...] her philanthropic efforts, despite the fact that she is a regular donor to AIDS charities and a quiet donor to a charity for breast cancer".[3] Conversely, after the advent of social media, Sarah Ezzy from Global Philanthropy Group, commented "she's not shy about using her social media to highlight her giving and encourage others to give directly to those efforts".[4] Mel Ottenberg from Interview said "Madonna does so much charitable work".[5]

Selected fundraising and charity on AIDS and LGBT causes

From left to right: Madonna with Tony Ward and Donna De Lory at a AIDS Project Los Angeles benefit gala in 1990

Biographer Carol Gnojewski said she has "donated millions" to AIDS organizations.[6] Writing for Billboard in 2001, Wayne Hoffman commented that her AIDS charity involves "money and time".[7] She is considered to be one of the first musicians to advocate in response to the AIDS crisis,[1] or one of the first "notable names" from the entertainment industry in the cause.[2]

Madonna regularly donated concert proceeds, and appeared in numerous radio and TV announcements. She purchased a back page of a Billboard magazine to enlist financial assistance for various AIDS relief and research organizations.[8] In her first international tour, Who's That Girl World Tour (1987), she raised $400,000 for amfAR with a Madison Square Garden concert. It became one of the first AIDS benefits given by a celebrity according to Out,[9] and Rolling Stone labeled Madonna as the "first major American pop star" to stage such a large-scale fund-raiser.[10] She also donated to the French Association of Artists Against AIDS from her Paris concert.[11] She continued donating with her Blond Ambition World Tour.[12] Madonna also donated to AIDS Project Los Angeles, the AIDS Action Foundation, and amfAR after the premiere of Truth or Dare.[13] Madonna took part in Elizabeth Taylor's 65th birthday in 1997, considered by Guinness World Records to be the most money raised by a birthday fundraiser.[14] In 1999, Madonna lent her name to the AIDS Walk in Detroit.[15]

Madonna supported various AIDS charities, including efforts by actress Elizabeth Taylor (pictured), whom chaired one of the first American organization against the HIV/AIDS.[16]

Madonna became a patron of Crusaid in 2002, donating signed items to raise money.[17][18] In 2007, she donated to the Mobilization Against AIDS.[19] She auctioned a private concert in 2008, raising more than $560,000 for amfAR at the 61st Cannes Film Festival's Cinema Against AIDS.[20] Madonna bestowed Jeremy Scott with the Award of Courage at the amfAR Gala in Los Angeles in November 2021, contributing also to the fundraising efforts.[21] That year, Madonna helped raise $100,000 for LGBTQ+ organizations during a Pride party at the Standard Hotels of New York. She premiered a Pride-themed video installation titled No Fear, Courage, Resist, which was screened on displays in Times Square the same day.[22]

She offered moral and financial support to her HIV/AIDS-affected friends, including artist Keith Haring.[23] She had attended a fashion fundraiser event by November 1986,[24] and a benefit dance marathon in 1989 with her friend and mentor, Christopher Flynn also diagnosed with the disease.[25] Madonna endorsed other groups including ACT UP and Bid 2 Beat AIDS.[26][27] Madonna has remembered World AIDS Days multiple times; during the 2015 Rebel Heart Tour she dedicated a performance and speech honoring survivors and victims.[28] She participated in "Sing", a song released during the World AIDS Day in 2007.[29] Madonna allowed her B-side song "Supernatural" to appear in the AIDS charity album Red Hot + Dance (1992), with a remix provided by Sly and Robbie.[30] In 2011, after Elizabeth Taylor's death, Madonna praised her efforts declaring: "I admired and respected her not only as an actress but for her amazing and inspiring work as an AIDS activist".[31]

Education and child welfare

Her efforts have significantly focused on child welfare and education over the years. The Ray of Light Foundation, established in 1998, has supported the education of girls in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other countries,[32] and in Malawi through Raising Malawi which started in 2006.[33]

Outside of her own charitable organizations, she has donated money and time by causes established by others. She attended Sport Aid's Race Against Time in 1988, designed for children's charities.[34][24][35] By February 1987, the Make-A-Wish Foundation had arranged a meeting between Madonna and a young leukemia patient, then 9 years old.[36] A week prior, a spokesman for Warner Records stated she had "done similar things in the past", but without publicity.[37] In early 2003, Madonna kept in touch with a 17-year-old girl with liver cancer through her final days via the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada.[38][39] She has made visits to orphanages, and through the years, Madonna has been reported to have taken all her children on trips to do charitable work, particularly in Malawi.[40] After her stop on the 2016 Rebel Heart Tour in Philippines, she visited the Bahay Tuluyan Foundation, a center that provides shelter for orphans and street children and also the Hospicio de San Jose.[41][42] That year, she visited Kenya in Africa.[43]

Madonna became a patron of UK-based charity Children of Peace.[44][41] She was part of the organizational committee at a 2009 Raisa Gorbachev Foundation charity gala.[45] That year, she donated a personal Dior shoes to benefit Gypsy child education in Romania,[46] and also made a donation in 2007, to an organization that sets up playgrounds in Russia.[19]

Motivated by her spiritual enthusiasm at that time, Mary Cross, said in Madonna: A Biography (2007), she has reportedly donated $21 million to the establishment of Spirituality for Kids, in Los Angeles,[47] a Kabbalah school and an organization working for schools and young community centers to help children develop into "strong, clear, happy human beings".[48] According to Lucy O'Brien in Madonna: Like an Icon, she donated "all her profits from her children's books to the foundation".[48] Some sources reported she donated about $22 million for the establishment of the Kabbalist Grammar School For Children (a.k.a The K School) in New York City; a source claimed one of her motivations was because "education means a lot to her".[49][50]

Responses to some humanitarian crisis

Madonna, one of the first artists to make a donation to help victims of the September attacks in U.S.[3][51]

Madonna made monetary responses to a number of crisis and disasters. She became one of the first recording artists to make a donation to charities helping the victims of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks in September 2001.[3][51][52] She granted $1 million from the proceeds of three Los Angeles concerts of her Drowned World Tour to children orphaned by the disaster.[51] Helen Studd, a correspondent for the Irish Independent reported about her immediate response: "Her generosity has started a wave of contributions from designers and pop bands".[53]

She also responded to the extreme earthquakes that occurred in 2009 in Pacentro, Italy with $500,000 and at least $250,000 for the 2010 Haiti earthquake, through Partners in Health.[54][55] As part of her fundraising efforts for Hurricane Sandy victims, Madonna exposed her buttocks during a MDNA Tour concert to encourage her audience to throw money at the stage.[56][57] She visited victims in Queens, New York and by 2013 it was announced she would donate clothing used in that tour to raise money.[57][58] The following year, in 2014, Madonna responded to the Flint water crisis with a monetary donation granted to Community Foundation of Greater Flint.[59] According to some reports, Madonna helped raise $5.5 million to support people affected by the 2015 Malawi flood crisis.[60]

Shortly after the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand in 2019, Madonna donated $10,000 to GoFundMe as part of a goal to raise $100,000.[61] It was reported that she donated about $1.1 million toward the development of a COVID-19 vaccine in 2020, to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.[62][63] She also donated, in association with the Reform Alliance 100,000 masks to prisons and jails across the country.[64]

Benefit concerts, charity events and other causes

From left to right: Madonna during Live 8 (2005) and Live Earth (2007)

Madonna joined various benefit concerts, including Live Aid (1985), Live 8 (2005) and Live Earth (2007).[65] She headlined the London concert of the lattermost event,[66] and wrote "Hey You" for their campaign. Initially released as a free downloadable track, within these terms the song was available on MSN.com, and for each of the first one million free downloads, $0.25 cents were announced to be donated to the Alliance for Climate Protection.[67][68]

Madonna participated in the 1998 concert for the Rainforest Foundation Fund to support indigenous people and rainforests. According to the Guinness World Records, it was the largest environmental fundraising event held.[69] Madonna's song "Freedom" had previously appeared on their charity album Carnival! The Rainforest Foundation in 1997.[30]

Madonna participated in the Tsunami Aid, to raise money for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami by performing a cover of "Imagine".[70] She invited her audience through her official website to donate the red cross.[71] The next year, Madonna joined the BBC telethon, Children in Need 2005.[72] In 2010, Madonna performed at the Hope for Haiti Now with the song "Like a Prayer".[73]

Aside from benefit concerts, she has been part of various charity records. In 1987, she contributed a cover of "Santa Baby" to the series' first charity album, A Very Special Christmas to benefit the Special Olympics.[74] In 2004, Madonna introduced the Band Aid 20 video of the charity supergroup, Band Aid.[75] She was part of the 2011 soundtrack Every Mother Counts from documentary No Woman, No Cry.[76]

She participated at a 1993 The Arsenio Hall Show to benefit Magic Johnson Foundation,[77] and in 1995 she presented a plaque to Muhammed Ali from Parkinson's Disease Foundation.[77] In 1997, assisted to a fund-raising gala honoring Gianni Versace.[77] In 2013, Madonna gave a speech at the Chime for Change concert to benefit education, health and justice.[78] In 2017, Madonna made a surprise performance at the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation's annual charity auction, helping raise money for the cause as well.[79] Over the years, she donated more than $8 million to the Kabbalah Centre in London.[50] Vegetarian Times reported that with her first international tour, Who's That Girl? in 1987, she donated a portion of the receipts from each concert to charities; aside from AIDS causes, she gave money to a charity in Chicago that refurbishes playgrounds with new equipment and soft ground surfaces.[80]

Activism and advocacy

Madonna has spoken out in favor of and on behalf of numerous groups and individuals, through statements or works (songs, videos, or concerts). By the early 1990s, academic Douglas Kellner in Oh Fashion (1994), describes her as becoming "political" making "statements on behalf of AIDS victims, the homeless, saving the rain forests, and women's rights".[81] Decades later, in 2020, Bianca Gracie from Spin magazine stated "she's continuously shown advocacy for social injustices".[82] Author Nikolay Anguelov, comments that she is "known for her humanitarian efforts in developing countries and support for environmental and social causes".[83]

Rebecca Gulick noted in her Madonna biography published in 1993, "Madonna believes that with her fame comes the responsibility to be a spokesperson".[84] Author Jennifer Egan recalls one of Madonna's early professional goals by saying: "I know I'm not the best singer, and I know I'm not the best dancer. But I'm not interested in that" but in being "political".[85] She maintained her beliefs, and by 2017, proclaimed "I have to get way more vocal" while even feeling that the entertainment industry should be "more political", noting in her view, that many remain neutral in order to maintain their "popularity".[86] She made similar remarks in 2019, claiming "I'm not here to be popular. I'm here to be free" which Jon Pareles from The New York Times regarded as part of her self-described "political voice".[87]

Selected examples

Madonna at Amnesty International's Bringing Human Rights Home concert introducing Pussy Riot in 2014

In 2013, she released the short film secretprojectrevolution, which deals with human rights and was part of a campaign to raise money for those causes.[88] Madonna voiced her disapproval to the Romani discrimination in Eastern Europe during her Sticky & Sweet Tour concert in Romania. It was reported that her statements were negatively received by the crowd,[46] but she found support from the Hindu and Jewish communities.[89] Florin Cioabă praised her efforts, saying, "Madonna is the only international personality to have raised the problem of discrimination against the Roma in Europe".[90]

She supported and advocated for other activists. Madonna supported Pussy Riot during their trial for their protest and criticism to Vladimir Putin. She stated on stage during her MDNA Tour: "Everyone has the right to free speech, everywhere in the world".[91] Two years later, Madonna introduced two of their members, Masha and Nadya at the 2014 Amnesty International's Bringing Human Rights Home, stating: "I am honored to introduce my fellow freedom fighters Masha and Nadya from Pussy Riot. I have admired their courage and have long supported their commitment and the sacrifices they have made in the name of freedom of expression and human rights".[92] She donated 600 tickets for her MDNA Tour show in Tel Aviv Israeli and Palestinian peace camp activists, including Peace Now's founder Yariv Oppenheimer and Ron Pundak.[93] She raised her voice to urge the release of Greenpeace activists jailed in 2013 in Russia.[94]

Madonna and her son, David Banda on stage in Paris, in December 2015. She paid tribute to victims and survivors of the November 2015 Paris attacks

In early 2015, Madonna raised her voice against the Baga massacre in Nigeria.[95] During her Rebel Heart Tour that year, Madonna paid tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks by Islamists, and gave an impromptu performance at Place de la République singing acoustic versions of her songs "Ghosttown", "Like a Prayer", and a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine".[96][97] Christopher Bergland, said of the performance, "the fact one of the most famous people in the world, has the balls to sing... publicly on a street corner in Paris... should be inspiration to all of us to keep doing what we love to do".[98]

She joined the Black Lives Matter movement, posting numerous threads, and she also encouraged her followers to donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund.[99] She later took the opportunity to assist in a London protest in June 2020. Commenting about her attendance, Amy Mackelden, an editor of Harper's Bazaar said she "was ... instantly recognizable" and "her support of the protest seemed to buoy the spirits of fellow protestors".[99] Madonna shared a photo of the 2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires along with a caption.[100] By 2022, Madonna had joined the digital campaign led by Global Citizen called "Stand Up for Ukraine", which appealed for donations and other forms of support to those affected by the Russo-Ukrainian War.[101][102] She invited her audience to support the cause and posted a link to Global Citizen article "9 Meaningful Ways You Can Help Ukraine".[103][104] She also shared a cover of "Your Song" in the style of a "living room season".[103]

Music and arts

Artists such as Madonna were influential in shutting down Napster.[105]

Madonna has supported the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, donating items in 1999,[106] and recording the song "Guilty By Association" featured in their charity album Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation (1997). It's an alt-country recorded with her brother-in-law Joe Henry.[30] She joined Music Rising initiative in raising funds to replace musical instruments and equipment destroyed during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2006.[107]

Madonna has used the arts to support other artists, or as a charitable activity. She has supported other industry colleagues and in this regard, Daniel Neira from celebrity magazine ¡Hola! summed up "Madonna is known for being a supportive friend" and is "constantly showing support".[108] She joined the #FreeBritney movement.[109] She defended the idea at a New Music Seminar conference held in 1984 when it was a new notion that some did not accept in juxtaposing actor-musician roles in music videos.[110] In the 1990s, she also defended criticisms on gangsta lyrics.[111]

In 2015, Madonna co-founded Tidal with various artists which she defined as a platform also "to support other artists".[112] In 2002, she joined the first EU Copyright Directive campaign in raising-awareness about the value of copyright.[113] In 2005, Madonna joined the National Association of Broadcasters' campaign "Radio: You Hear It Here First" to promote terrestrial radio.[114] She also joined a campaign against music piracy around these years.[115] Some artists such as Madonna were influential in shutting down Napster.[105]

Gun control

Madonna out on the streets of Los Angeles putting up gun control posters (right) by April 2021[116]

Before beginning with her advocacy, Madonna raised controversy during the MDNA Tour, because she used fake firearms which she defended as "artistic" bringing the examples of action movies.[117] Shortly years after, Madonna talked about gun control rights in several opportunities,[116] calling it "the biggest problem in America right now" by 2019.[118]

Among her many posts regarding concerns with school shootings and gun control, she expressed that she felt a "responsibility to the children of the world".[119] By April 2021, Madonna had invited her audience to join the campaign of Everytown for Gun Safety,[120] and she was later seen posting wheat paste stickers with messages about gun control on Los Angeles streets. Various people noted her efforts, including actor Peter Stickles.[121] In May 2022, she shared a lengthy post after the Texas shooting at the Robb Elementary School demanding a "Gun Reform" from lawmakers, calling out to the National Rifle Association.[122][123]

Madonna released the video "God Control" from her 2019 album Madame X, which deals largely with the issue but earned controversy for its depiction of violence.[116] Others thanked the intention, with an editor from Attitude recalling the video's caption, "it's happening every day. And it has to stop", as well as its affiliation with a number of groups, including Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives Action Fund, Gays Against Guns and Human Rights Campaign.[124] Ruth M. Glenn, president and CEO of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence was pleased about Madonna's mention and support.[125] Gun activists like Shannon Watts felt grateful that artists like Madonna were participating to spread awareness.[119]

Political

Madonna participated in rallies against Donald Trump. In the image, Madonna during the 2017 Women's March
Madonna during the Military segment of her Re-Invention World Tour in 2004.

According to Lucy O'Brien, Madonna inherited the sense of justice and inclusive politics from her Italian paternal grandfather Gaetano Ciccone, who assisted in organizing a brief but "crippling strike" at the Aliquippa mill in the summer of 1937 which resulted in an improvement in the lives of the workers.[126] She wrote an article to the inaugural issue of political-targeted magazine George in 1995.[127] She participated in the first Rock the Vote campaign in 1990 to encourage young audiences to practice the suffrage.[128] Mentioning Madonna's video, Liana Satenstein from Vogue commented that the campaign's videos of the 1990s are "special". In 1996, MTV's "Choose or Lose" used the Madonna video again.[129]

Madonna voiced her concern about George W. Bush foreign policy with the invasion of Iraq. By 2004, she commented: "There's global terror everywhere and it's absurd to think you can get it by going to one country and dropping tons of bombs on innocent people".[130] She also called Nicolás Maduro a fascist.[131] But while Madonna criticized some politicians, she received responses from some of them or their representatives. She was notoriously "attacked" by Russian politicians for her gay rights advocacy and support for Pussy Riot.[132] Madonna also received "criticism and threats" from the National Rally party in France when she denounced the rise of xenophobia and extreme-right movements in France and Europe, and for her critics to Marine Le Pen.[133]

She openly supports the Democratic Party in her home country.[126] Madonna has expressed her support for presidential contenders or presidents such as Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, while also encouraged her audience to practice suffrage.[81][134][135] During her support of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in 2016, she held a surprise concert at Washington Square Park in New York on the final day of US election campaign, which The Guardian's Emma-Lee Moss described as an "astonishing concert".[136] It was streamed live on Facebook.[137] She also "famously" promised oral sex to Hillary voters.[138]

Ray of Light Foundation

Raising Malawi

Madonna and Nathan Rissman during the premiere of I Am Because We Are at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival

Madonna and Michael Berg founded Raising Malawi in 2006.[33] The organization have supported numerous charitable initiatives. Professor Chris Rojek at Brunel University wrote in Fame Attack (2012), "Madonna matches every dollar raised through corporate, community and academic support".[33]

In 2006, she donated $1 million to build a compound that, as of 2011, fed over 1,500 orphans.[139] Many of the children were cared for by Consol Homes Orphan Care, an organization Madonna assisted in the constructing of a power grid that provided electricity at the orphan care center.[140] She also donated $1.5 million to the Millennium Villages Project (MVP) and accompanied its founder, Jeffrey Sachs on a trip to Malawi.[141] Madonna reportedly donated $11 million of her own money and raised a total of $18 million to build a school in Malawi.[142] People magazine informed in 2018, that the organization had assisted in the construction of ten schools.[143]

Madonna has orchestrated fundraising efforts for Raising Malawi; for example through a sale of personal belongings and other dynamics, she garnered over $7.5 million in a one-time Miami show of the Madonna: Tears of a Clown in 2016.[144] By the next year, in 2017 the foundation opened up the Mercy James Institute for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care, named after Madonna's adopted Malawian children.[145] It became the first children's hospital in the country.[143] According to Trevor Neilson from Global Philanthropy Group, she is the largest individual donor to the hospital and funds programs run by Eric Borgstein at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.[146]

Madonna also made a documentary on Malawi's plight, I Am Because We Are (2008), which she wrote, narrated and produced. It was accompanied by the publication of a book featuring Kristen Ashburn's photographs, and author proceeds from the sale of the book was reported to be donated to the foundation.[147]

Reactions

Controversies and criticisms

A political cartoon by Carlos Latuff that represent the controversy Madonna raised upon her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019

A number of Madonna's commentaries, particularly those with suggestive undertones, have garnered her criticism.[148] Others objected the direction of her efforts; for instance, Kat Stoeffel from The Cut was scathing about her supporting manner for activist Malala Yousafzai and her politically charged agenda in 2012 during the MDNA Tour as noted in her article titled "Madonna is ruining all my favorite causes".[149] Veterans of Foreign Wars criticized Madonna for wearing an American flag in her Rock the Vote video of 1990.[129] Her publicist responded, "she's trying to get that message across in a humorous, dramatic way. But she's very serious about the issue", although she didn't vote.[129] While referring to her "politically incorrect" occurrences, the staff of Los Andes stated they brought her fame and were viewed as "revolutionary" by many but not by others.[150] Professor Pamela Robertson claims in Guilty Pleasures: Feminist Camp From Mae West to Madonna (1996), that "Madonna's politics are empty of content" and are "vague" for many critics.[151] In early 2010s, editors Adam Geczy and Vicki Karaminas had conflicting opinions, stating that her "political activism" provides "disenfranchised groups with empowering identifications" but they also categorized it as cultural industry.[152]

During her speech at the 2017 Women's March, Madonna drawn controversy after saying the word "fuck you" three times, and also for declaring: "Yes I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House, but I know that this won’t change anything. We cannot fall into despair" regarding Trump administration.[153] Madonna's comments sparked outrage among Trump staffers.[154] She later defended of backlash, by saying that she was speaking metaphorically, and shared two ways of looking at things: To be hopeful and feel anger and outrage.[155] The Sacramento Bee explored both positive and negative reactions on social media.[156] Her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 drew backlash from Palestinian activists, scholars, and intellectuals groups ranging from PACBI to BDS.[157] Her message and performance received a polarized reception from viewers.[158] As one of the most criticized moves in her career, Middle East Monitor ranked her second, behind a Mariah Carey's concert in Saudi Arabi in their list of "10 artists hit by human rights criticism over concerts".[159] Madonna later expressed her decision and message in a lengthy post.[160]

Madonna's on stage statements were sometimes presented with raw visuals and uncensored tone. In the image, the singer during the Confession Tour (left) and the MDNA Tour (right)

Madonna's sexual image often played against her. Bette Midler introduced her to the global audience of the Live Aid in 1985, referring her as a "woman who pulled herself up by her bra straps and has been known to let them down occasionally". According to media, it was a reference of the Madonna's pre-fame nude photos that Playboy and Penthouse ran weeks earlier.[161] Nicole Hensley of New York Daily News commented, "The Material Girl has a history of pushing sexually suggestive motifs to encourage young people to complete their civic duty".[162] Her sexual image, along with her affiliation and activism for the LGBT community and the AIDS epidemic, caused "many people" including her ex husband Sean Penn, to believe she was HIV-positive herself. She addressed the allegations at an AIDS research gala in 1991 by saying: "I'm not HIV-positive but what if I were? I would be more afraid of how society would treat me for having the disease than the actual disease itself [...] If this is what I have to deal with for my involvement in fighting this epidemic, then so be it".[163][164] Rolling Stone commented her contributions to the AIDS causes were relatively overlooked by her marriage with Penn.[10]

Since the solidification of social media networks in the mid-2010s, a confluence of factors has polarized various of her social awareness messages. For instance, Queerty's Alex Reimer criticized her post on October 8, 2023 about the 2023 Israel–Hamas war occurred a day before on October 7, citing the gap of days between images about her and the ongoing Celebration tour.[165] Roger Friedman referred after citing her Instagram posts regarding the COVID-19 lockdowns during a so-called misinformation era but he sympathized with her saying "it's easy to make fun of Madonna [...] But kudos and thanks for the Gates contribution".[63] From another scenario, The Advocate's Neal Broverman recalls a post about gun control in April 2021 that received "mixed" reactions from her followers, with one user calling her an "out-of-touch millionaire who has no right to an opinion on the matter". Madonna responded to the user justifying her statement.[166]

Some criticism towards Madonna as a philanthropic agent and activist, stemmed from generalized perspectives often addressed on public figures as it was clear from an article published by The New York Times in 2006,[167] including perspectives of white savior—complex,[168] and others commenting about Western celebrities helping developing countries, especially in Africa. Andrew Mwenda was a critic of the lattermost point in an op-ed article for CNN in 2013.[169] While mentioned various A-list of celebrities, including Madonna, Cynthia Reynodls commented for Maclean's in 2004, "celebrities are fickle, and so are trends, even among good causes".[170]

Madonna's efforts in Malawi

Michael Berg and Kabbalah Centre controversy

Raising Malawi and Madonna became the subject of "headlines around the world" as a result of an abandoned project to construct a school worth over $15 million, and with a stated number of $3.8 million lost in the effort guaranteed.[171] The speculation for the collapse, was turned to the Kabbalah Centre and Michael Berg (son of the centre's founder and co-founder of Raising Malawi).[172] Berg and his center were subjected to an audit,[173] which didn't involve Madonna's name.[174] After the audit and controversy, Madonna relocated her charity's offices away from Kabbalah's headquarters, and removed her advisers linked to the center from her board members.[174][175] She earlier declared that they were included because she believed in the "spiritual side".[176]

Meanwhile, Madonna hired consulting firm Global Philanthropy Group to manage its operations that still working together by 2017,[4] and with buildOn they were able to aid Raising Malawi with a new path, which included the development of smaller schools.[174][177] Global Philanthropy Group's founder, Trevor Neilson expressed his admiration for her resilience and commitment to help others.[177] "Madonna's philanthropic adventure went awry, but there is no reason to doubt her intentions and generosity", the editors of Reimagining Global Philanthropy (2021), said.[142] In a dedicated piece on the issue, Harvard Business Review explored how "in philanthropy, failure is an almost daily occurrence".[171]

Madonna previously faced criticism for embracing Kabbalah studies because she blended her spiritual belief with life and also charitable efforts, while the spiritual branch itself was labeled as a "money-driven cult".[50][178] UNICEF faced some of these criticisms during a Madonna-hosted fundraising event in 2008, which many said was also used to "promote" the Kabbalah Centre.[179] The proceeds for the events, were reported to be divided between UNICEF and Raising Malawi.[179] Her project Success For Kids was also under scrutiny after Berg's controversy, although Charity Navigator previously rated it with three out of four stars.[180]

Adoptions and child trafficking allegations

A woman showing disapproval of Madonna's 2006 adoption (of David Banda)

Her efforts were also overshadowed when she and her then husband Guy Ritchie adopted infant David Banda in 2006, with many accusing her of violating Malawian laws.[181] It sparked conversations about international adoptions by celebrities,[182] and drew a "significant amount of media and public attention".[183] As a result of the "highly publicized" process, The Guardian dubbed Banda "the most famous baby in the world" in an article published in 2006.[181] Some Madonna critics speculated that she adopted the infant as a publicity stunt amid the Confessions Tour.[184] She later adopted more children, one in 2009, and two in 2017,[143] and Madonna recalls about her process with David Banda: "Every newspaper said I kidnapped him [...] In my mind, I was thinking 'Wait a minute. I'm trying to save somebody's life [...] I did everything by the book. That was a real low point for me. I would cry myself to sleep".[181]

Madonna next to her first adopted child, David Banda seen on stage during the 2015 Rebel Heart Tour

In 2008, researchers at the University of Liverpool coined the phrase "Madonna effect" to describe the international adoptions and their subversive effects. In the report, child psychologist Kevin Browne granted to the Madonna-style process, a closely rise in the number of children in orphanages across Europe, following adoptions made overseas rather than local. Researchers also stated that some parents in impoverished countries were handing up their children "in the belief that they will have a 'better life in the West'" with "a more wealthy family".[185] When Madonna revealed her plans to adopt again in 2017, some activists were concerned that Madonna's act "would facilitate the child trafficking in Africa".[186] A number of observers were generally complimentary or less alarming about her adoptions, mainly during Banda's adoption in 2006. It happened with Dave Levine of Showbiz Tonight (CNN), Mary Landers of the Savannah Morning News or singer and activist Bono among others.[182][187][188] As both Madonna and Angelina Jolie were credited with popularizing celebrity adoptions in the early decade of the twenty-first century,[189] some reviewers compared their philanthropic efforts because both received criticism.[40] However, while researching "why was Madonna so criticized", author Keith Tester noted she attracted more critics than either Bob Geldof or Jolie.[188] Professor Chris Rojek says Madonna and Jolie's adoptions "raise difficult questions" but he reacted generally positively.[33]

By January 2023, Ethiopian World Federation accused Madonna of possible "human trafficking and social experiments", citing as proof her public behavior and photos of his son Banda recreating one of her outfit. They were especially concerned about her sexual fantasies published in her first book Sex in 1992. The federation asked Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi to prevent "homosexual and transgender".[190] Public commentator Candace Owens also joined criticisms, saying after reading her book about fantasies that she must be "banished from society", accusing her of "touching upon pedophilia".[191]

Aftermaths

Results of Berg's controversy and her adoptions, affected her activities in Malawi. She was met with polarization in the country; Lisa Ann Richey explained in Celebrity Humanitarianism and North-South Relations (2015), that there are multiple "local" interpretations of her efforts, pointing out that some Malawians interpret Madonna as a "person who cynically exploit poor Africans to promote her own brand and who makes grand promises that never materialize" and others seen her as a "worthy humanitarian". Local elites in comparison, are viewed as "corrupt" or "self-serving".[192] On the view from Karin Wilkins in Communicating Gender and Advocating Accountability in Global Development (2016), she has been referred "frequently" as "Saint Madonna of Malawi" or "a gift from heaven".[175]

Joyce Banda minimized her efforts and criticized her persona during her presidency, though Madonna claimed that part of the government criticism was prompted by her dismissal of President Banda's sister Anjimile Oponyo who previously served in her charity organization but was removed after the mismanagement funds controversy.[193] She was saddened by Banda's statements describing it as "inaccurate", but clarified it would not to interfere in her commitments.[193] Banda's successors Peter Mutharika and Lazarus Chakwera praised her efforts.[178] Mutharika called her a "Goodwill Ambassador for Child Welfare" and a "symbol of a motherly spirit".[194] The information minister, Patricia Kaliati was among other political figures whom appreciated her endeavors.[33]

Appreciation and recognition

Others have noted, including James Perone, a music professor at the University of Mount Union in 2018, how she built a "successful career" as a "social" and "political" activist,[195] and professor Chris Rojek similarly claims, she has been "celebrated" as a "major celebrity humanitarian" for many.[33] In 2015, Christopher Bergland credited her with his ongoing dedication to political activism.[98]

Author and lawyer Ian Rosenberg described her philanthropic endeavors, and her sometimes shocking messages, as a "trademark" with a blend of provocation but also "candor".[196] The editor of Musicians and Composers of the 20th Century (2009) believes that despite criticisms, she has "remained firm in her convictions",[148] and Hilary Weaver from Vanity Fair comments that she "has never been one to back down from taking a political stand—despite the criticism that might follow".[86] Rodrigo Fresán quotes Madonna as saying that there are people "who hate me" for having an opinion on things.[197] For Lucy O'Brien, "she risks unpopularity" and her style is "confrontational".[198] Brittany Spanos, editor of Rolling Stone, referred she "has always been forthright about her political opinions".[199] In 2023, Toula Drimonis from Cult MTL opined "she hasn't always gotten it right, but I think the intention has always been good".[200]

Her early activism in the 1980s and 1990s, was appreciated by many. This is seen in Mark Bego's book Pop Culture Presents the Story Of Jewel (1998), where the author states: "Madonna paved the way in just so many ways. She was never afraid to break down taboos".[201] In 2014, Christopher Rosa from VH1 stated that many celebrities endorse now-popular opinions of some matters that it can "proudly express themselves without general fear of judgment", but he believed she was advocating for the same rights in a period when were relatively "unpopular".[202] In Popular Culture and the Civic Imagination (2020), professors notes she is a self-proclaimed "Unapologetic Bitch", but uses her voice directly and forcefully to shock and therefore draw attention to her message. In short, they conclude Madonna paved the way for other generation of artists both as musical or "political commentator".[203] According to José Mariscal from La Razón in 2018, her music and activism are more than a display of rebellion, as she has starred "battles" for women's or human rights.[204] Juan José Roldán, writing for El Correo de Andalucía in 2020, was generally positive saying that "few" such as Madonna, have been so "brave" and "daring" in the face of repeated injustices.[205] Writing for The New York Times in 2023, Mary Gabriel felt that some criticisms are centered in her image as a pop star and/or a gender bias, dismissing her political statements as "opportunistic grandstanding".[206]

"Madonna has never shied away from making bold statements with her work", felt and commented Alexander Kacala from Out in 2019.[207] During the height of her popularity, Douglas Kellner felt she helped "bring marginal groups and concerns into the cultural mainstream".[208] British journalist Matt Cain similarly states she helped "broke down social barriers" by connecting "diversity" by producing multiple works that has brought marginalized groups to the fore to her large audience.[209] "Bringing people together to celebrate liberation, equality and diversity is an essential aspect of Madonna's worldwide view", commented biographer Carol Gnojewski.[210] Pete Hamill referred to her as "the greatest artistic force of the AIDS generation" in his book Piecework (2009).[211]

Awards

Her activism has been recognized in ceremonial awards, including distinctions from her charitable works in helping cure AIDS, by the AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) in 1990 and American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1991. In 2018, Madonna was honored by the High School of Performing Arts in Malaga (in Spanish: Escuela Superior de Artes Escénicas de Málaga, ESAEM) for her artistic career and social advocacy. The director Marisa Zafra reflecting, remarked "Madonna's intense fight for human rights and her defense for the poorest and most underprivileged". They also announced two scholarship for two young cared in her charitable organization, Raising Malawi. Madonna thanked them via message.[212]

See also

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