Madonna Directly Addresses Drama From Last Week’s Paris Show

Madonna dealt with some ugly drama at her show in Paris, France last Thursday (July 26.) She left the stage at the Olympia after 45 minutes to a chorus of boos and bottles being tossed her way. Some fans demanded refunds. Even though her longtime publicist addressed the situation and revealed that it cost the singer a chunk of change to produce, Madge elected to weigh in directly. Doesn’t that seem a bit “reductive,” to borrow a phrase Madge popularized earlier this year? Why not leave it alone? Why resurrect the issue?

Well, she’s Madonna and she can do whatever she wants.

First, Madge’s media flack claimed that the Paris gig was never intended to be a full on show, like a regularly scheduled MDNA tour date. It was, instead, a “heartfelt thank you” to her fans.

After that statement was issued, Madonna took it upon herself to address the show on her website. Her statement is a brilliant and beautiful exercise in what the media calls “spin.” That is, Madge accentuated the positive to try and eliminate (or at least deflect the spotlight from) the negative. Score one for the Material Girl. Even though we still question her motive to bring up again after it was dealt with by her publicist, she done good and demonstrated a little je ne sais quoi.

Below is the entirety of Madonna’s statement, referring to the “thugs” who are not real fans that tossed plastic bottles her way. Essentially, the media saw an ugly event; Madge saw a joyous one.

Playing the Olympia was a magical moment for me and it was real treat to do this special show for my fans and be so close to them. Unfortunately at the end of the show – after I left the stage – a few thugs who were not my fans rushed the stage and started throwing plastic bottles pretending to be angry fans. The press reports have focused on this and not the joyous aspect of the evening. But nothing can take away or ruin this very special evening for me and my fans. When I looked out in the audience, everyone I saw had a smile on their face. I look forward to having this wonderful experience again.

Watch Footage From Madonna’s Paris Show