Madonna claims Met Gala dress is political statement about ageism

‘The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an ageist and sexist society’

Madonna arrives at the Met Gala (Getty Images)

Madonna’s divisive dress at the Met Gala prompted a flurry of headlines, some more unkind than others. The main focus of each was, predictably, about how much skin was on show.

Headlines described her outfit as a “bizarre ensemble” while the Daily Mail took a no holds barred approach by accusing her of leading the “staggeringly bad worst dressed brigade”.

Unperturbed, Madonna delivered a defiant message to critics of her sartorial dress the following morning by sharing a picture of herself post ball with “no f**ks to give” written across it.

She expanded on her “no f**ks to give" stance overnight.

In a post on Instagram, the Queen of Pop made a few salient points about the treatment of women above a certain age in a society she branded inherently ageist and sexist. Explaining that she is not afraid to pave the way for future generations of women, she issued a rallying call for gender equality and warned the reactions to her outfit reflect wider prejudice against women.

“We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world,” she wrote. “When it comes to women's rights we are still in the dark ages. My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement. The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an ageist and sexist society.

“I have never thought in a limited way and I'm not going to start. We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks by being fearless and by taking the road less travelled. That's how we change history. If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice. I'm not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me! As Nina Simone once said, the definition of freedom is being fearless.

"I remain unapologetic and a rebel in this life and all the others. Join my fight for gender equality!”