Madonna Faces Backlash for Wearing 'Very Strange Outfit' to Support Her Son's Art Exhibition – Photos & Video
Madonna's recent support of her son in a widely criticized all-black outfit comes after the star penned a sweet birthday tribute to him in August.
Pop icon Madonna left mouths agape when she stepped out in a sultry ensemble to attend her son, Rocco Ritchie's art exhibition, "The Tourist," in Paris, France, on Sunday, October 27. While some netizens felt that what she wore was inappropriate, others praised her and swooned over how fabulous she looked.
User comment about Madonna, posted on October 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/justjared
Exuding avant-garde glamor, the "Hung Up" singer donned a daring black bodysuit, which she covered with a sheer, fishnet dress and a long leather coat adorned with fluffy material around the collar and by the wrists.
Madonna exiting the Ritz Hotel in Paris, France, posted on October 28, 2024 | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
Complementing the ankle-high dress were the bold, black knee-high boots Madonna wore as she made her way to the venue.
Elevating her look even further, she accessorized with sheer gloves, eye-catching gold necklaces, dangling earrings, and black shades. She also carried a stylish handbag.
Madonna | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
Madonna fashioned her blonde hair, which was parted down the middle, into a neat low bun. Besides the online photos of her appearance, video footage showed the musician exiting the Ritz Hotel as security escorted her to a black vehicle.
Madonna | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
Upon arriving at the art gallery and exiting the car, Madonna had added another trendy addition to her outfit — a large black-and-white polka dot scarf, which she wrapped around her head and tied underneath her chin.
Madonna arriving at the art exhibition. | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
Waiting to give the superstar a warm welcome at the gallery entrance was fashion legend Michèle Lamy, who hugged Madonna before the duo walked toward the doors together.
Michèle Lamy and Madonna engaging at the art exhibition | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
Netizens who saw the video and images of Madonna did not hold back in expressing their opinions regarding her outfit. Many found the ensemble peculiar, especially because of the event she wore it for.
"It's a very strange outfit for a mother son [sic] get together 💁♀️," remarked an Instagrammer, while another noted, "I don't want my mother to come to my art exhibit dressed like that 🤷🏼♀️."
Madonna | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
Agreeing with the sentiments, someone else asserted, "She's going out like that..I'd be mortified if I were her son with my mother dressed like that..a very short skirt etc is one thing, but, what Madonna is wearing is something else 😢 [sic]."
Madonna | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
"Yes, but it's kind of expected at this point. I'm assuming if he has an issue with it she'd have heard about it by now. She looks ridiculous," responded a social media user to the previous comment.
Noticing a white object attached to the back of Madonna's dress, an observer highlighted, "she forgot to take the tag off her clothes 🙈 ehhhhh… 😏 [sic]."
Madonna | Source: Instagram/whoopsee.it
Criticism continued with comments like, "absolutely [sic] not!😂," and "Nonna Madonna." "As I was watching this, my thoughts were, she is looking more and more like that creepy fashion lady. Then BOOM!💥 she walks up to her😢," mentioned an Instagrammer who was referring to Michèle.
People reacted to Madonna's appearance on X, too. "Yikes 😬," wrote a spectator, while another compared her to a late legendary fashionista, "She looks more and more like Joan Rivers every time."
"What is wrong with her face?!?" exclaimed an X user. On the other hand, some people loved how the "Material Girl" artist dressed, with one fan gushing, "She looks bomb! 🔥🔥🔥." "Madonna can do no wrong. 🔥," swooned an admirer. Another complimented, "I'm loving the outfit 😍."
What netizens had to say about Madonna's appearance did not take away from the fact that the Queen of Pop wore this attire to attend Rocco's exhibition in support of him.
Collaborating with fashion powerhouse Giorgio Armani, Rocco posted about the event on Instagram by sharing a reel, which showed striking visuals of some of his artwork.
The post also displayed the dapper young artist posing in a classy suit with hordes of luggage surrounding him, some of which he carried at different moments.
Rocco Ritchie in the Instagram reel about his art exhibition, posted on October 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/giorgioarmani and roccoritchie
"The paintings that make up this show, reflect a splitting between person and public and a feeling of alienation. The artist's use of a distinctive palette creates a timeless quality, with the works existing simultaneously in the past and present," reads the post's descriptive caption.
Two months before Rocco's big art event, his doting mom took to social media to mark his birthday with a heartwarming dedication post.
Rocco Ritchie and Madonna on a boat ride, posted on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/madonna
On August 11, Madonna shared a carousel of beautiful images showing different moments from her son's life through the years.
Rocco Ritchie in a candid photo. | Source: Instagram/madonna
From candid photos of when Rocco Ritchie was a young boy to more recent ones of him as a young man, Madonna gave her followers glimpses into Rocco's world.
A throwback picture of Rocco Ritchie. | Source: Instagram/madonna
Standout photos showed Rocco creating art by painting on a model's face and in another frame, an easel, which he stared at with sharp focus.
Rocco Ritchie painting on an easel. | Source: Instagram/madonna
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCCO— the long and Winding Road through all your many moods and incarnations has been tumultuous and full of surprises [sic] But through it all —your curiosity, and Artistic Soul has been the glue that has held us together," began Madonna's caption.
"Thank God for Art. Thank God for you. We have been together for many lifetimes. Thank you for choosing me again. I Love you -for Eternity. ♥️," concluded the star.