Madonna Defended by ‘The View’ Co-Hosts After VMAs Ageism Backlash: ‘You Can’t Win’
"It is such a blessing to be able to age," the hosts of the talk show say following the pop icon's return to the VMAs stage.
During the 2026 VMAs, Madonna made a return to the stage after a 23-year absence, performing "Bring Your Love" with Sabrina Carpenter and later introducing Charli xcx for "Danceteria Afterhours." The performance marked her most-nominated artist status at the awards and led to a career-high seven wins. However, Madonna's age, 68, sparked criticism and backlash on social media.
Co-hosts from "The View" defended the pop star, arguing that women in the public eye are often subjected to harsh judgment regardless of how they choose to age. Jasmine Guy, 64, experienced similar scrutiny as she returned to the sitcom universe of "A Different World," facing comments about her appearance. Both women were confronted with the dilemma of either being criticized for being overtly sexual or for appearing to age gracefully.
The hosts emphasized that aging is a privilege, and women should be encouraged to embrace the process rather than being shamed for trying to maintain a youthful appearance.
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