Madonna slams “sexist” accusations of being “high or drunk” on stage

Madonna has responded to accusations that she was “drunk or high” during a performance in Melbourne last Thursday.

The singer posted a screenshot of a fan defending her to Instagram. Along with the Instagram picture Madonna said the following:

"Thanks for supporting me. Too bad people don't know the art of acting and playing a character. I could never do any of my shows high or drunk. And yes underlying all of this is sexism and misogyny which proves that not only do we not get equal pay but we are still treated like heretics if we step out of line and think outside the box! Sexism is alive and kicking but I am #livingforlove".

The Melbourne show kicked off the Australian leg of Madonna's Rebel Heart tour, a free cabaret-style show which was billed as a fusion of music, art and comedy with Madonna donning a full clown outfit for the entirety of the performance.

The performance had received mixed reviews from fans. Along with the opinion that the pop-star was inebriated, fans were unhappy with Madonna for not taking to the stage until 12.50am.

Check out Madonna’s response to her critics below.