Madonna was given extra security on her world tour after she received a barrage of hate online after she called for peace in Israel’s long-bloody conflict with the Palestinians.
The spate of abuse has led to increased security around the pop superstar as she continues her current Celebration Tour, which saw the 65-year-old perform in London last week.
She told the sell-out crowd: “What’s happening right now between Israel and Palestine is obviously heartbreaking, and no one wants to see what’s happening.”
“I see children thrown off motorcycles, kidnapped, babies beheaded, children shot in peaceful raves. What the hell is going on in the world?”
The singer added that she was “shocked and frightened” by the escalating tensions, but said it was “irresponsible” not to speak out on the issue.
Security: Madonna was given extra security on her tour after she received a torrent of hate online after she called for peace in Israel’s long-running bloody conflict with the Palestinians (pictured on stage at London’s O2 Arena last week).
Concerns: The spate of abuse has led to security being tightened around the pop superstar as she continues her current Celebration tour (pictured on stage at London’s O2 Arena last week).
The “Like A Prayer” star’s comments sparked an angry reaction from some pro-Palestine supporters.
In numerous social media posts, she was branded a “Zionist witch” and a “criminal” in connection with her comments about the massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
It is said that the singer was distraught after numerous photos of dead or injured babies were posted to her on social media and some comments questioned her ability to be a mother.
Other posts sent to her official social media platforms mocked Madonna for her fascination with Kabbalah, an ancient Jewish mystical tradition.
The pop star was born and raised a Catholic, but developed an interest in Jewish mystics after being introduced to lyrics by a friend.
In posts seen by the Mail on Sunday, anti-Israel fanatics called her a “Kabbalah s***”.
Friends told the Mail on Sunday that Madonna was “devastated and appalled” by the reaction to her intervention in the bloody Middle East conflict, particularly because she tried not to take sides in her speech.
Meanwhile, a senior music industry official involved in the mammoth tour confirmed that security at Madonna’s performances had been “tightened and strengthened” amid fears for safety amid the conflict.
The annual MTV European Music Awards (EMAs), due to take place in Paris on November 5, were postponed last week amid claims a celebratory event was unsuitable at this time.
However, it is understood that safety concerns surrounding the artists also led to the decision to cancel the event.
Madonna will continue her tour on Sunday in Antwerp, Belgium.
Their tour managers are confident it won’t have to be canceled.
War: Smoke and flames rise after Israeli forces attacked a high-rise building in Gaza City on October 7