Image credit: Chris Weger
It’s no question that Madonna is considered a queer icon, just because of her decades-long career alone. But the 61-year-old Queen of Pop has also ensured that her actions also make her worth the iconic status the LGBTQ community has bestowed on her.
In a tweet, Madonna revealed that she was fined $1 million for speaking up about gay rights at a concert in St. Petersburg, Russia during her 2012 MDNA tour. This is because St. Petersburg had a city ordinance at the time that criminalized the discussion of anything LGBTQ-related as Russian authorities believed it would “convert” children.
The Material Girl was not threatened by the city ordinances, choosing to go ahead with her speech that took note of the fear and hate that people who are different receive. She called for respect towards the gay community, as well as treating them with love, compassion, and tolerance.
Watch the video of the speech here:
I made this speech at a concert in St. Petersburg 8 years ago. I was fined 1 million dollars by The government for supporting the Gay community.
— Madonna (@Madonna) July 20, 2020
I never paid……………….. #freedomofspeech #powertothepeople#mdna https://t.co/6wH53V4aUn pic.twitter.com/LGhV5gUerc
As the Advocate notes, the St. Petersburg stop of Madonna’s MDNA tour was already controversial even before Madonna’s speech, as it had received terrorist threats beforehand because of Madonna’s support for the feminist punk-rock collective, Pussy Riot. The threats were credible enough that the US Embassy in Russia even had to warn concert attendees and encouraged them to ensure their personal safety.
Madonna also had to contend with a $10.7 million lawsuit filed by a number of groups because of the speech, while a Russian official called her a “moralizing slut” because of her support for Pussy Riot. A Russian court dismissed the lawsuit, noting that there were no minors present at the concert.
On top of that, the singer now claims that she was fined $1 million for the speech, a fine which she said she had no plan of paying.
In response to her revelations, fans of Madonna camped under her mentions and praised the superstars. One of them called her courageous, bold, and grave. Yet another claimed that Madonna has tirelessly worked for the LGBTQ community throughout the years. Lastly, one fan declared that it was actually this principled stand that made fans love her and declare her a queer icon.
Wow, awesome news Madonna.
Now how about recording some actually good music since you haven’t otherwise been relevant in the music industry since 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor.
She has made enough good music to last. At 61 no need for her to go all out to try to make a number one hit. Cher did it but that was sure luck.
According to who -….you? I’ve got news for you bud she’s as relevant today as she was 40 fucking years ago and her being who she She is still standing up for even this bullshit In Russia and to them And anyone who thinks she won’t She is just as kickass Myself & any one of her TRUE fans IS telling you to go fuck yourself SHES HAS INCREDIBLE music thats come out since 2005 MDNA Rebel Heart ARE BOTH INCREDiBLE ALBUMS SHES GOT WHAT MOST ARTIST’S WONT Ever have EVEN TODAY She’s got TRUE GUTS AND LOTS TO SAY… Read more »
So you go to a country known for limited to no gay rights and bitch for being fined for breaking their laws? Mage is known for maintaining her relevance by jumping on any political bandwagon. If anyone thinks she gives a ratsass about gay rights think again. She’s only doing it to remain in the limelight, nothing more.
lol
She has supported gay rights for decades, chill out..
People do what they must to make money, we all do. She does not need the money and nor the attention. Mage is coming from a caring place. That’s not that hard to see.
Madonna has done more for the gay community that I’m sure you’ve ever done for any charity in your life
She’s always been a supporter. Yes , I think some things she does is for notoriety….just to be spoke and conversed about , sure . Everyone knows from the start and all through her years she’s supported the LGBTQ communities. She never bitched about being fined …she said I’m never paying it .
Talking about relevance, she made 1 billion dollars with the tour in question, so I’m asking all u little trolls – who’s more relevant than that? Learn the facts before making fools of yourselves again
Relevant as dumb as you are to make such a statement. SHES incredibly kickass Besitful talented amx would eat you and spit out your spineless ass For her to say Speak fight nonsense archaic laws that you claim this country has oppressed it’s own people and in many ways Tell them to f*** themselves over their fine and perform to her fans there What have you done close ? Nothing so don’t scoff your nonsense at her Shes Always gonna be Madonna & will be Forever Like I said to another here and anyone else She’s Madonna -Bitch! Remember that… Read more »
Personally acquainted with her, are you???
Alright, the government of Russia fined her one million dollars? or was it rubles? She’s been around for a whole life, not easy to do as a Pop star. I never thought of her a s a gay icon, or any kind of icon, that’s all so Catholic.
Rich white person playing the victim card in one… two… three seconds
It’s not surprising her character and spunk. She one of those tough chicks! What do you expect people! She’s only Leo! lol
About recording good music, one of the songs from the album she was promoting with the tour won Best Song @ the Golden Globes that same year. I guess none of that makes it to Trollville
Why is this coming out just now? Promotional stunt.
So now that I had to clear up this mess of critic nonsense to so-called fans or anyone that was a cop at her let me say this Madonna from Mama’s 19/81 time I seen her was on the TV launch videos for the first time as a never seen before a female artist who literally has revolutionized the music industry and anyone that wants to scoff at her or be critical of her She only one of the top selling female artist of all time!! Topped charts and sold & made millions from shows & of albums this woman… Read more »
I AM WITH U!!
She REALLY is a National treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel Russian is setting cruel unusual punishment Against the right and freedom of speech If U.S. President Trump can crus and yell profane words at others also make fun of people who are handicapable I feel RUSSIAN Ought to Halt on this LAW Suit
“moralizing slut”… lol that’s hitting the nail on the head