Why Madonna's "Rebel Heart" Pictures (Probably) Were NOT A PR Blunder

Let’s talk about the Madonna thing. Not because Madonna still has any cultural relevance per se , but because a little bit of media buzz may or may not have been the only thing her publicity team was after with the “controversial” Rebel Heart images.

If you’ve somehow managed to stay out of the loop on this one, here’s the brief. On January 2, Madonna (or a PR assistant or something) instagrammed some photo manips, depicting cultural icons like Nelson Mandela, MLK and Bob Marley (also Marilyn Monroe, but that’s not the one people are getting angry about) tied up in the same black string (“ribbon”) Madge can be seen wearing on the album cover.

Now we’re not saying her publicity team knew exactly what was going to happen when the images were released or anything, clearly that would be ludicrous. But Madonna was quick to realize the error of her ways – more or less – and has since posted the following apology on her Facebook page.

"I'm sorry. I'm not comparing my self to anyone. I'm admiring and acknowledging there (sic) Rebel Hearts. This is niether (sic) a crime or an insult or racist! I also did it with Michael jaclson (sic) and frida khalo (sic) and marilyn monroe. Am I say I am them, NO.  I'm saying they are Rebel Hearts too. And I didn't do it, my fans did. And I just re-posted those photos. My fans aren't racist either. If they put me in the same category as those other people, Thank you. I'm very flattered and I hope one day to live up to 1 100th of what those people accomplished."

Source:http://www.contactmusic.com/article/madonna-rebel-heart-pictures-controversy-apology_4520280