On New Year's Eve, pop star Madonna surprised partygoers at the iconic Stonewall Inn with a performance of some of her most popular hits, such as "Like a Prayer."
Shortly after, photos and videos of the singer were all over social media, with many talking about her impromptu cover of Elvis Presley's 1961 hit "Can't Help Falling in Love," accompanied by her 13-year-old son David Banda.
Madonna was also praised for the impassioned speech she gave about love and peace.
"If we truly took the time to get to know one another, we would find that we all bleed the same color and we all need to love and be loved," she said while on stage. "Let's remember who and what we are fighting for "“ ourselves, for each other."
She added, "Let's take a minute to reflect on how we can bring more love and peace into 2019, let's look at how we can bring random acts of kindness. Maybe we can find an opening to bring the light in. Are you ready to do that?"
However, it seems like her words fell on deaf ears because not everyone reacted kindly to images and videos that surfaced from her gig at the Manhattan bar.
While some people talked about her performance, others were busy discussing the way a certain part of her body looked, sending the internet into a frenzy.
#Madonna shows off curvy backside at Stone Wall Inn where she delivered a surprise performance of "Like A Prayer" during New Year's Eve. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/Z4Hjmyy4TP
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 2, 2019
People on social media pointed out that the pop icon's behind appeared curvier than usual, and speculation that she either had butt enhancement surgery or wore padding ran amok.
I think the saddest ending to 2018 is finding out that Madonna got butt implants. pic.twitter.com/hhpnrllQ1E
— Jennifer (@ScottishBF) January 2, 2019
🤦ðŸ½"♀ï¸Lord, what in the world did Madonna do to her behind????????????? pic.twitter.com/UxjnSdkQst
— Shay Moore (@heyshaymoore) January 2, 2019
Just seen @Madonna new Butt. Is this true or #FakeNews as it looks simply ridiculous! pic.twitter.com/s29GyruIGB
— 🥂The Barrowboy 🥂 (@Barrowboy77) January 2, 2019
plese tell me it's just butt pads. @Madonna pic.twitter.com/2bZ2ZqOnpl
— revanbast (@revanbast) January 2, 2019
There were many who stood up for the "Material Girl" singer, saying that the microphone pack is to blame. One person jokingly tweeted that she just has a wallet stuffed with money in her pocket.
Madonna being accused of having butt implants as she debuts shocking new curves on stage. I don't think it's a butt implant, I think it's a wallet stuffed with money. pic.twitter.com/zKqJ6qkfS4
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) January 2, 2019
In my opinion very stupid and sexist and discrimination. #Madonna has a perfect body she looks great!! She has the pack for the microphone in her pocket!! Luv @Madonna
— Torben Siska (@SiskaTorben) January 2, 2019
Madonna fans question whether the singer has had butt implants https://t.co/avsCwgXgN0 via @DailyMailCeleb
On Thursday, to everyone's surprise, Madonna shared an Instagram post that seems to be a response to all the backlash, although she neither denied nor confirmed the rumors.
"Desperately Seeking No Ones Approval..................😂," the diva wrote. "And Entitled to Free Agency Over My Body Like Everyone Else!! Thank you 2019 🎉🎉🎉! Its Going to Be an amazing Year!! 🔥🔥🔥! #2019#freedom#respect#nofear#nodiscrimination."
Media outlets have been trying to contact her representatives but they have refused to comment on the issue.
Like Madonna herself said, she owns her body and she should be free to do whatever she wants with it.
It's not the first time that the singer has been involved in controversy, and it certainly wouldn't be the last, however, the topic of her body shouldn't overshadow the positive message she was trying to spread during her performance.
