Madonna

Pop icon

Contemporary influential 204 sayings

Sayings by Madonna

I can't. Why are you so obsessed with my sex life? You're a pervert.

1994 — Response to David Letterman goading her to kiss a man in the audience.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't know why I'm the one who gets so much shit.

1994 — During her controversial appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Controversial Unverifiable

Yeah I want to rule the world.

191984 — Response to Dick Clark asking about her future plans after performing 'Holiday' on his show.
Controversial Unverifiable

I dared people to like me and my nonconformity.

2013 — Discussing her teenage years and rebellious nature in an interview for Harper's Bazaar.
Controversial Unverifiable

I was accused of kidnapping, child trafficking, using my celebrity muscle to jump ahead in the line, bribing government officials, witchcraft, you name it. Certainly I had done something illegal!

2013 (referring to events around 2006-2008) — Discussing the controversy surrounding her adoption of son David from Malawi in an interview for Har…
Controversial Unverifiable

This was an eye-opening experience. A real low point in my life.

2013 — Referring to the adoption controversy in an interview for Harper's Bazaar.
Controversial Unverifiable

I refused to wear makeup and tied scarves around my head like a Russian peasant. I did the opposite of what all the other girls were doing, and I turned myself into a real man repeller. I dared people to like me and my nonconformity.

2013 — Describing her rebellious youth in an interview for Harper's Bazaar.
Controversial Unverifiable

Do not age. Because to age is a sin.

2016 — Speech at Billboard Women in Music.
Controversial Unverifiable

I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick around.

2016 — Speech at Billboard Women in Music.
Controversial Unverifiable

There are no rules, if you're a boy. If you're a girl you have to play the game what is that game. You are allowed to be pretty and cute and sexy. But don't act too smart. Don't have an opinion don't have an opinion that is out of line with the status quo at least you are allowed to be objectified by men and dressed like a slut but don't own your sluttiness. And do not I repeat do not share your own sexual fantasies with the world.

2016 — Speech at Billboard Women in Music.
Controversial Unverifiable

Take this ride with me! What are you doing sitting down over there? What are you doing sitting down? Oh, OK. Politically incorrect, sorry about that. I'm glad you're here.

2024 — Addressing a fan in a wheelchair at a Celebration Tour concert.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a survivor. I am like a cockroach; you just can't get rid of me.

Approx. 2020s — Attributed quote reflecting on her resilience.
Controversial Unverifiable

The idea that in any church you go, you see a man on a cross and everyone genuflects and prays to him [...] in a way it's paganism/idolatry because people are worshipping a thing.

2019 — Expressing her views on Catholic dogma.
Controversial Unverifiable

Catholicism '[is] not what God and Christianity are all about'.

2016 — Criticizing Catholic dogma.
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm spiritual, religious.

1991 — Interview with Terry Wogan.
Controversial Unverifiable

The song just fit right in with my own personal zeitgeist of standing up to male authorities, whether it's the pope or the Catholic Church or my father and his conservative, patriarchal ways.

1989 (reflection cited in 2018) — Explaining the controversial themes in her 'Like a Prayer' video.
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm only here cuz there isn't a Knicks game.

1994 — Opening remark during her 1994 Late Show with David Letterman appearance.
Controversial Unverifiable

Have you ever smoked endo? ... You're a damn liar.

1994 — Asking David Letterman if he smoked marijuana, then calling him a liar when he feigned ignorance.
Controversial Unverifiable

A message to DaBaby - if you're going to make hateful remarks to the LGBTQ+ community about HIV/AIDS then know your facts.

2021 — Instagram post addressing DaBaby's anti-LGBTQ remarks.
Controversial Unverifiable

I want to put my cellphone lighter up and pray for your ignorance, No one dies of AIDS in 2 or 3 weeks anymore. Thank God.

2021 — Instagram post addressing DaBaby's anti-LGBTQ remarks.
Controversial Unverifiable