Madonna: Age jokes are as bad as racism

Singer Madonna says she has become a victim of ageism. Photo / AFP

Madonna's majestic Brit Awards fall sparked laughter, scorn and concern about how her 56-year-old bones could possibly withstand the impact of the 02 Arena floor.

The Queen of Pop, however, was far from amused. Not only did she suffer whiplash from the accident, but she also became the victim of ageism.

"Because of their age. Only females, though. Not males. So in that respect we still live in a very sexist society.

"No one would dare to say a degrading remark about being black or dare to say a degrading remark on Instagram about someone being gay."

She continued: "But my age - anybody and everybody would say something degrading to me. And I always think to myself, why is that accepted? What's the difference between that and racism, or any discrimination? They're judging me by my age. I don't understand. I'm trying to get my head around it. Because women, generally, when they reach a certain age, have accepted that they're not allowed to behave a certain way.

"But I don't follow the rules. I never did, and I'm not going to start."

Madonna fell off stage while performing new song Living For Love, which includes lyrics about falling down, such as: "I'm gonna carry on, lifted me up, and watched me stumble."

- Independent