People Are Very Upset With Madonna After She Mistakenly Told A Wheelchair User To Stand During Her Show

    "This is never okay."

    Chelsea Stewart
    by Chelsea Stewart

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Madonna has stirred up (more) controversy after pausing a recent concert to ask a fan to stand.

    Madonna wearing a patterned jacket and accessorized with layered necklaces and headpiece
    Kevin Mazur / WireImage

    In a video, which has since been viewed over 1 million times on X, Madonna was addressing the crowd when she noticed the person seated in the audience. "What are you doing sitting down over there?" she said, pointing towards them. She then appeared to ask the fan, "What are you getting sitting down?"

    Madonna performing onstage wearing a lace top, cap, and gloves
    Kevin Mazur / WireImage for Live Nation

    Seemingly unable to hear their response, Madonna walked closer to the edge of the stage before realizing the fan used a wheelchair. "Oh, okay," she conceded. "Politically incorrect. Sorry about that."

    Madonna in an embellished halo-lie headpiece and robe sings onstage
    Kevin Mazur / WireImage for Live Nation

    "I'm glad you're here," Madonna added before resuming her position at the center of the stage.

    And when Madonna complained that there was a person sitting down during her concert, and seconds later she realized it was a wheelchair user. pic.twitter.com/hDvERFmsFN

    — Avid ( Fan Account ) 👹 (@avid_original) March 8, 2024
    Twitter: @avid_original

    Social media was quick to respond to the moment online, with many users calling it awful and "embarrassing."

    Twitter: @iamnaaomixx

    This is so😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/IULoHLAQox

    — brook (@inholyflux_) March 8, 2024
    Twitter: @inholyflux_

    "At her age, she should have known better than to do this," one person wrote in part.

    @cold_breadfruit_9794 / reddit.com

    People also said that fans should be able to sit at concerts if they want, regardless of whether they use a wheelchair.

    even if that person wasn't using a mobility aid, why tf do you have to call someone out for sitting down like sis imma sit if i want to
    @carmine_kitten / reddit.com

    "Disability is not always evident. It shouldn't matter if they were in a wheelchair or not," one fan argued.

    @hmtee3 / reddit.com

    "That is exactly why performers shouldn't concern themselves with if someone is sitting or not," another fan echoed.

    A screenshot of a social media comment by user NortherSass, expressing that performers need not worry about audience members not standing
    @northersass / reddit.com

    Some stated that at least Madonna apologized.

    Twitter: @livesmedea

    But others criticized the delivery and tone of her apology.

    she should have profusely apologized
    @jolenedollyparton / reddit.com
    delivered on a turn away and dismissive hand wipe, yikes
    @inner_squirrel7167reddit.com / 2kz3/madonna_calls_out_someone_for_sitting_down_during/

    Twitter: @pinkrebel95

    For anyone coming to her defense about “well she apologized”

    Some people can’t stand for concerts like that but don’t necessarily have a fucking wheelchair either. I am one of them.

    This is never okay. https://t.co/uiprdjFej5

    — BeJules (@queenn_demon) March 8, 2024
    Twitter: @queenn_demon

    Madonna hasn't further commented on the mishap, but we'll let you know if she does.