Madonna's caught quite a bit of flack for her provocative MDNA tour -- particularly for her use of fake guns on stage and even swastika iconography.
But now Madonna is finally responding to the criticism, in a long-winded "manifesto" sent to Billboard.com.
"It's true there is a lot of violence in the beginning of the show and sometimes the use of fake guns - but they are used as metaphors. I do not condone violence or the use of guns," she writes in the free verse style letter. "Rather they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging."
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"When you watch a film there are usually good guys and bad guys to help illustrate this point, Sometimes I play both," she further explains. "It's very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context. It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end. I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, Invigorated and will want to make the world a better place. And this of course was always my intention."
But it wouldn't be Madonna is she didn't add in any theatrics, like this poetic opening to her lengthy note.
"My show
Is a journey
The journey of a soul from darkness to light
It is part cinematic musical theatre.
Part spectacle and sometimes intimate Performance art.
But above all its a journey
From darkness to light
From anger to love
from chaos to order."
She's nothing if not dramatic!
Related: Madonna Blames 'Thugs' for Concert Booing
But what do you think? Are you buying Madonna's manifesto, or is the controversial imagery on her tour a cheap ploy to grab headlines?
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