Madonna faces backlash after publicly calling out a wheelchair-bound fan for sitting during her concert. Read on to learn about the incident that’s sparking outrage online.

Madonna found herself at the center of a social media storm following a concert in Inglewood, California, where she inadvertently called out a fan for sitting during her performance. The 65-year-old pop icon pointed directly at the fan and exclaimed, “What are you doing sitting down over there? What are you doing sitting down?” to the crowd’s discomfort.

As it became apparent that the individual was wheelchair-bound, Madonna’s tone shifted from accusatory to apologetic. She quickly attempted to rectify the situation, stating, “Oh, OK. Politically incorrect, sorry about that. I’m glad you’re here.” However, the damage had already been done.

The incident occurred during Madonna’s Celebration Tour at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where she kicked off a five-night stint. The tour, highlighting her hits, challenges, and influence, began on March 4th. Madonna had previously shared with the audience on the tour’s first night how a severe bacterial infection in June 2023 severely limited her mobility and led to the postponement of the tour.

Video clips of the exchange swiftly made their rounds on social media platforms, with many labeling the encounter as a “yikes” moment. The incident sparked backlash from internet users, with some expressing disappointment in Madonna’s remarks.

On TikTok, where the video garnered over 2.4 million views, one user commented, “WHAT’S HER ISSUE,” garnering 16,000 likes. Another user criticized Madonna’s statement, “Something about ‘I’m glad you’re here’ makes it even worse.”

On X, a user highlighted the issue of ableism, stating, “Lots of people need to sit down who don’t use wheelchairs, too. This is honestly just gross, ableist behavior. Appreciate that the person purchased a ticket and came to see you!”

Others questioned the significance of whether someone sits or stands during a concert. “Does it matter if they’re sitting or standing? They paid for the ticket and took the time to be there? Isn’t that enough???” one user wrote.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and inclusivity, particularly in public events where diverse audiences are present.