Twitter is angry that Madonna used her platform last night at MTV’s Video Music Awards to turn what was supposed to be a tribute to Aretha Franklin into a long, rambling speech about how great Madonna is.
Madonna talked about how, before she was famous, she auditioned to dance for “a French disco sensation.” She had to sing at the audition and she sang Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel.”
For the next few minutes, she talked about how the French producer was impressed by her, how he was going to make her famous, and threw in a “Bitch I’m Madonna.”
“You’re all probably wondering why I’m telling you this story,” Madonna said towards the end of her speech.
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“There is a connection. Because none of this would have happened, could have happened, without our Lady of Soul. She led me to where I am today.”
So… the best thing about Aretha is that she gave us Madonna? OK.
Twitter wasn’t having it.
Madonna presents an Aretha Franklin tribute by Madonna featuring Madonna with Madonna and Madonna as “Madonna”
— Marc (@MarcSnetiker) August 21, 2018
I’m so lost. I thought Madonna was supposed to be paying homage to Aretha but I all heard was her paying homage to herself. HEAVY on the Mayonnaise……
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) August 21, 2018
does Madonna know Madonna didn’t die
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) August 21, 2018
Madonna has been entitled + gentrifying [black] things for a LONG time.
She called her white son “Dis N*gga” and then SHE got offended.
She epitomized white feminism @ the Women’s March…
and let’s not forget her centering herself in The Carter’s historic moment. pic.twitter.com/3EyVMf0aBn
— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) August 21, 2018
Madonna ruined the Prince Tribute on the Billboard Awards in 2016.
Madonna ruined the Aretha Tribute on the #VMAs in 2018.
I really never want to see her again. Ever. pic.twitter.com/rp6QCql3aR
— April (@ReignOfApril) August 21, 2018
"If it wasn't for Aretha, we wouldn't have Madonna"- Madonna
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) August 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/kingsleyyy/status/1031746537527767040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Did Madonna just make Aretha’s death about her?!
WHERE is Kanye when you need him?! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/3DcDrtPHIb
— The Root (@TheRoot) August 21, 2018
I hate that Madonna manages to make EVERYTHING about herself – even when speaking on behalf of our luminaries. #VMAs
— Elgin Charles (@ElginCharles) August 21, 2018
As a lifelong Madonna fan it pains me to say this…but this is what happens when you don't have anyone in your life who tells you that you shouldn't do something or tells you that you're acting out of control.
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) August 21, 2018
Other musicians were promoting better messages at the VMAs. Rapper Logic wore a T-shirt that said “Fuck the Wall,” a reference to Donald Trump’s proposed border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
