Madonna has defended her Met Gala outfit, insisting it was a "political statement".
Madonna
The 'Living for Love' hitmaker has hit back at criticism she bared too much flesh in the custom-designed Givenchy outfit she wore to the star-studded event, which took place at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday evening (02.05.16).
She wrote: "We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world. When it comes to Women's rights we are still in the dark ages.
"My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement. The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an age-ist and sexist society. I have never thought in a limited way and I'm not going to start. (sic)"
The 57-year-old singer - who has four children, Lourdes, 19, with her ex partner Carlos Leon, Rocco, 15, with her former husband Guy Ritchie and Mercy and David, both 10 - went on to urge her fans to help her "fight for gender equality".
In a post on Instagram, she added: "We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks By being fearless and By taking the road less traveled by. Thats how we change history. If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice.
"I'm not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me. As Nina Simone once said, the definition of freedom is being fearless. I remain Unapologetic and a Rebel in this life and all the others. Join my fight for Gender. Equality! (sic)"
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