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Madonna is hitting back at critics of her tribute to Aretha Franklin at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards on Monday night.
The Queen of Pop was slammed on Twitter for her speech, which ended up being more about herself than the late, great Queen of Soul, as she rambled about how great Madonna is, and how Madonna got started and oh, by the way, how much she liked Aretha Franklin.
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Twitter Shreds Madonna for Making 'VMAs' Aretha Franklin Tribute All About Herself
View StoryClearly the criticism got back to Madge, who addressed her haters on Instagram on Tuesday morning.
"Just to clarify: I was asked to present video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin," she explained. "I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her!"
She said it "would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show," adding she "could never do her justice in this context or environment."
Note: the tribute ended up being six minutes long.
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2018 MTV VMAs: Every Moment You Need to See From Music's Wildest Night
View Story"Unfortunately most people have short attention spans, and are so quick to judge," she continued. "I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T. 🙏🏼."
She went on to say that she also loves Camila Cabello, to whom she presented Video of the Year ... while also spelling her name wrong.
"AND. I love-L O V E!! and there is nothing anyone can say or do that will change that," she concluded, with the hashtag #postivevibes.
Watch her lengthy speech below -- what do you think?
We've captured some of the best and funniest reactions to Madonna's tribute to Madonna, featuring Aretha Franklin, below.
Madonna presents an Aretha Franklin tribute by Madonna featuring Madonna with Madonna and Madonna as “Madonna”
@MarcSnetiker
So basically Madonna is just really talking about herself instead of Aretha Franklin #VMAs pic.twitter.com/wonlWKIYHb
@chrisseyblue
They ended the show on the most disrespectful note by having Madonna spend 10 minutes talking about herself while “honoring” Aretha and then giving the award to a racist lmao
@Jauredramatic
So was that an Aretha or Madonna tribute?? #VMAS pic.twitter.com/Dm4628pYtq
@TheCoolMag_
I just can't believe Madonna took Aretha's moment to do.....that??! Like, woooow. pic.twitter.com/jgW9rfTBO3
@ceedotcee
Madonna really gentrified an entire tribute to Aretha with more anecdotes than a Presidential candidate. You gotta be kidding me... #VMAs
@JeffJSays
Madonna really got up there and read us the pitch for her biopic in honor of Aretha Franklin. The audacity.
@MajorPhilebrity
Madonna gentrified an Aretha tribute. I knew we shoulda deported The Whites.
@TylerRickyTynes
Madonna telling a story about herself supposedly honoring Aretha Franklin is PEAK white girl.
@BritniDWrites
Whew, Jesus. #Vmas pic.twitter.com/WXPjgxXO6g
Is Madonna really making a tribute about Aretha Franklin about herself? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/AHyN8yHVBc
@cliffordsmofos
Bruh somebody tell Madonna this ain't about her.
@OfficiallyIce
Now I love Madonna but let's be honest Aretha Franklin did not get the tribute she deserved and thats Facts! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/kAOoU2wOjU
@Hiii_Yellachick
Madonna made Aretha Franklin's death about herself and her own musical journey, and honestly, this is some of the whitest shit I have ever seen. #VMAs
@freeblackgirl
#ArethaFranklin may you take off your wig, reach down and push Madonna on the FLOOR! 😂😂😂 #VMAs pic.twitter.com/blLCzmbPiU
@KoolAsJas
Madonna made that about her damn self. #VMAs pic.twitter.com/jNbNv2RLlT
@Kiara2Peace
“You're probably all wondering why I am telling this story.” Yes, Madonna. #VMAs
@youngsinick
Madonna talking about herself to honor Aretha Franklin, and people actually clapping.#VMAs pic.twitter.com/SSHStUG3RD
@GoesByWalton
Okay so Madonna talked about herself for five minutes during an Aretha tribute then proceeded it with a story about one of her solo performances. Where's the R-E-S-P-E-C-T? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/n6NAJahToU
@ryann_warner
Madonna gave herself a tribute featuring Aretha.
@ScottieBeam
So a story about madonna is the tribute? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/iOpbmLYKbP
@Mcthra_
This was an incredible Madonna tribute. https://t.co/syn8N0Zc4a
@ReaganGomez
Madonna. This isn't about you sis. #VMAs pic.twitter.com/Wj1F6Q4JQu
@JustJem24
That was such an awkward tribute to Aretha Franklin. I was hoping Madonna would talk a liiiiiiiitle less about herself and more about Aretha but idk lol 🤦♀️🤷♀️
@KathleenLights1
Did Madonna just make Aretha's death about her?!
@TheRoot
WHERE is Kanye when you need him?! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/3DcDrtPHIb
Is Madonna the one who passed away? Or...........? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/5yZWLsShRa
@TheNotoriousCDG
MTV: Can you say a few words about Aretha Franklin ?
@igzrap
Madonna: no problem lemme just talk bout myself for a while tho first
"I me me me me me me me Aretha me me me me me me me me me myself and I." -Madonna
@chrisalexander_
is this about aretha or madonna? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/lUn0daoYc3
@blackbruja_
Madonna... #VMAs pic.twitter.com/C6O8kDRj9H
@MrDubC
Madonna literally payed tribute to herself! Bitch what?! #VMAS
@Alicia705
Of course Madonna manages to make this Aretha Franklin tribute about her #VMAs pic.twitter.com/8SvHRU544z
@TheWatsonBrand
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