Madonna Faces Major Backlash Over “Politically Incorrect” Flub About Fan In Wheelchair

Madonna, 65, was criticized at a recent concert for asking a concertgoer using a wheelchair to stand up while she performed. During her last concert, the singer admitted it was wrong of her and “politically incorrect” to ask the fans to stand up. However, she is still facing accusations of ableist behavior on social media.

‘Politically Incorrect. Sorry About That:’

The “Frozen” singer garnered backlash over the weekend when a clip from a Celebration Tour concert at the Kia Forum went viral on social media. In the video, she is seen hyping up her audience screaming “take this ride with me.” 

However, things took a wrong turn when she asked a concertgoer in a wheelchair “What are you doing sitting down over there?” Madonna then repeated the question “What are you doing sitting down?” After noticing no reaction from the fan, she walks to the end of the stage only to realize that the fan is seated in a wheelchair. 

“Oh Ok, politically incorrect,” she immediately said to overcome the situation, while also adding, “Sorry about that.” 

“I am glad you are here tonight,” the Grammy winner continued, before seemingly continuing with the fun. While the singer moved on from that moment too quickly, some of her fans could not help but spread hatred. 

Author and public speaker, Ola Ojewumi took the opportunity to describe Madonna on X as an “ableist trash.” Ojuwemi, who is a wheelchair user, then continued to compare the viral moment with the treatment she received from the American rapper Lupe Fiasco in a previous concert. The writer wrote the record producer  “saw me sitting in a standing-room-only concert and looked baffled.” She then added that later that night, the rapper took extra effort to make things better by clicking pictures with her backstage, while also dedicating a song to her and more. 

According to Ojuwemi, Madonna is a lot different from Lupe Fiasco. “That is the difference between an artist and what she is- ableist trash,” she wrote. 

Following the author’s reaction, many platform users expressed their concerns, with one noting, “Madonna was insane to ask a wheelchair user to stand up to join the fun,” while another one chimed in “How can we call singers like Madonna an artist? An artist is someone generous. I do not think she is a fit for that tag.” 

A third one wrote, “Many people have medical conditions, many might get tired or they could be in a wheelchair. Not everybody is as healthy as you.” 

On top of them, musician and disability advocate Lachi, also blasted the singer asking her to make it up to the fan via an X post. “Madonna, you know how hard it is for us #disabled folk to show up at these shows after all these nosey stares?” Lachi, who is blind, asked adding, “Get that wheelchair user a photo opportunity or SOMETHING.” 

Read More: Madonna Falls Onstage But Recovers Without A Hitch

While many X users slammed the singer for asking the concert attendees why they were sitting, others defended Madonna by saying she already sought forgiveness the moment she realized the person was in a wheelchair.