'I'm admiring and acknowledging their Rebel Hearts'

Madonna has been sharing fan-generated images using the Rebel Heart ribbon on the faces of other people. The internet has stirred up controversy suggesting Madonna is racist and insulting comparing herself to people including as MLK and Nelson Mandela. Madonna published these statements on her Instagram and facebook pages explaining:

'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 Hero's. 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

'I'm sorry

I'm not comparing my self to anyone

I'm admiring and acknowledging their Rebel Hearts

This is neither a crime or an insult or racist!

I also did it with Michael jaclson 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.'

'Again thanks to my fans for creating this beautiful ART! This is the Revolution of Love I've been talking about! RESPECT! We should all aspire to be #rebelhearts'