Pop star Madonna has apologised for posting pictures to Instagram of people including Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King with ribbon across their faces in the same style as the artwork of her new album.
The 56-year-old posted the photos, which had been created by fans, to Instagram this week to promote her upcoming album, Rebel Heart.
The photos triggered a wave of criticism, with many fans saying she shouldn't compare herself with iconic civil rights activists and world leaders.
"Disrespectful & Racist!," one Instagram user commented underneath the photograph of Mandela.
"This is incredibly offensive," wrote another.
"I'm sorry. I'm not comparing my self to anyone,” she wrote. “I'm admiring and acknowledging there Rebel Hearts. This is neither a crime or an insult or racist! I also did it with Michael Jackson and Frida Khalo and Marilyn Monroe
“Am I saying I am them NO. I'm saying they are Rebel Hearts too. And I didn't do it. My fans did And I just re posted those photos. My fans aren't racist either. If they put me in the same category as these other people. Thank you. I'm very flattered and I hope one day to live up to 1 100th of what those people accomplished. - Madonna.”
Despite the apology she remained defiant, posting an image of Princess Diana to Instagram the following day.
She thanked fans for creating the images in a caption underneath a doctored photograph of John Lennon.
“I would like to thank all my fans for recreating my album cover with the Rebel Heart ribbon on the faces of so many Great Heros," she wrote. "It shows that you are also celebrating and in admiration of these great freedom fighters! When I repost these images i am saying YES! These people are all Rebel Hearts in one way or another from Martin Luther King to Jesus to Nelson Mandela to John Lennon. YES! Lets celebrate them! The world needs more people like them.
“I hope to one day accomplish. 1 100th of what these Rebel Hearts have accomplished. As I Said in a previous post "I walk in the footsteps of Giants" and i will continue to do so G*D willing. They are my guiding light. #rebelheart #livingforlove" - Madonna."
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