LAS VEGAS, May 23 (UPI) — Madonna has taken to social media to defend her recent Prince tribute performance at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards amid critiques from viewers and network BET.
“Deal with it!” the pop icon wrote Sunday on Instagram alongside a photo of herself donning a colorful flower printed outfit.
Throughout the night, Madonna shared pics from the performance, which also featured Stevie Wonder, quoting Prince and defending her right to pay tribute to the Purple One.
“Anyone who wants to do a tribute to Prince is welcome to. Whatever your age Gender or skin Color. If you loved him and he inspired you then show it!!!! I love Prince 4 ever,” she wrote.
The response comes after a collection of fans voiced their displeasure about the singer performing Prince songs such as “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and “Purple Rain.” Television network BET joined in on the shading on Twitter promoting their upcoming Prince tribute set to take place at the BET Awards on June 26.
“Yeah, we saw that. Don’t worry. We Got You,” a teaser video for the tribute proclaimed alongside Prince’s likeness and the sound of rain.
“Every Prince rendition will not be a life changing orgasmic xperience. Just to SING his work is brave enough. Again feeling are on high,” he continued. “And EVERYBODY wants and deserves a chance to say goodbye in their own way. But remember: there will be AMAs, SoulTrain, NAACP, mtv, GRAMMYS.”
