Pop icon Madonna has ignited a wave of controversy after sharing a series of AI-generated images featuring herself and Pope Francis on her Instagram Story Friday night.
The provocative posts have drawn sharp criticism online, with many accusing the 66-year-old singer of disrespecting religious figures and crossing ethical boundaries.
The first image depicted an AI-created Pope Francis, 87, embracing Madonna with a wide grin as his nose touched her cheek. The caption read, “Going into the weekend like…”
In the second image, Madonna appears in a lacy corset while the pontiff seems to lean in for a kiss, his arm around her waist. She captioned the second snap, “Feels Good to Be Seen……”
Social media users were quick to react, with many condemning the posts. One user on X (formerly Twitter) described the images as “ridiculously disrespectful,” while another called the situation “creepy.”
Another critic stated, “This is just weird as hell… she’s lost it.” A more pointed comment read, “Disgusting! I pray her soul gets saved!”
The backlash has intensified across platforms, with fans and critics alike debating the ethics of using artificial intelligence to depict religious figures in such a manner. Madonna’s representatives have not responded to the controversy despite repeated inquiries from outlets like Page Six.
This isn’t the first time Madonna has sparked outrage with religious themes. Her 1989 music video for “Like a Prayer” remains one of the most controversial moments of her career. It features provocative imagery like burning crosses and a scene of her kissing a Black saint wrongly accused of a crime. The video led to widespread condemnation from the Vatican, which called for a boycott of her Blond Ambition World Tour.
Even her commercial collaboration with Pepsi tied to “Like a Prayer” was pulled in response to the uproar, though the ad was officially released 34 years later in 2023. Reflecting on the controversy, Madonna shared the ad on Instagram with the caption, “Artists are here to disturb the peace.”
The latest controversy adds to Madonna’s reputation as a provocateur unafraid to push societal boundaries. Earlier this year, she faced legal trouble when a fan who attended her “Celebration” tour filed a lawsuit alleging the event exposed attendees to “pornography without warning.”
Known for her bold and sometimes polarising performances, Madonna’s concerts often feature risqué content. During an April show in Miami, she famously gave singer Ricky Martin a lap dance, sparking fan speculation about his reaction.
While Madonna has not commented on the recent backlash, her career has shown that controversy is a recurring theme in her pursuit of artistic expression.
However, the public reaction to the AI-generated images raises fresh questions about the intersection of technology, art, and respect for religious symbols.
The incident has reignited debates about the boundaries of free expression, with many questioning whether Madonna’s latest stunt is a creative statement or simply an attempt to provoke outrage.
As the backlash grows, whether the Queen of Pop will address the controversy or continue to stand by her unapologetic approach to art and expression remains to be seen.
