Madonna has sparked outrage after describing her new album leak as “artistic rape and terrorism” in the wake of high-profile global attacks in Sydney and Pakistan.
The US singer had been working on Iconic when it appeared unfinished online earlier this week.
Eleven songs were leaked, including “Rebel Heart”, “B***h I’m Madonna” and “Unapologetic B***h”.
The 56-year-old quickly took to Instagram to thank loyal fans for “not listening” to the tracks and clarify that they were “unfinished demos stolen long ago”.
However, while her initial reaction was relatively calm and controlled, a later response proved far more inflammatory.
Madonna has since deleted her post but reports claim it read: “This is artistic rape!! These are early leaked demos, half of which won’t make it on my album. The other half have changed and evolved.
“This is a form of terrorism. Wtf!!!! Why do people want to destroy artistic process??? Why steal? Why not give me the opportunity to finish and give you my very best?”
Unsurprisingly, her comments ignited social media:
Dear Madonna, No one cares if your music got leaked. I didn’t even know you were releasing an album. rape & terrorism aren’t ****phors.
Silly Old Daniel ✔ @sillyolddaniel
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"A form of terrorism", @madonna? You silly thing.
Madonna calling her album being leaked a form of terrorism and artistic rape. Really?! still clinging to controversy to stay relevant then
Nicki Minaj, Diplo, Avicii and Ryan Tedder have all worked on Madonna’s new album, the title of which has yet to be officially confirmed.
Her last album, MDNA, came out in 2024 and led to one of the highest-grossing tours of all-time.
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/madonna-cries-artistic-rape-and-terrorism-as-new-album-leaks-9932725