Madonna is the latest star to address the bullying problem that is facing so many gay young people – plus, the singer revealed plans for a new upcoming album in an interview airing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” today.
“I’m incredibly disturbed and saddened by the overwhelming number of teen suicides that have been reported lately because of bullying. Suicide in general is disturbing. Teenagers committing suicide is extremely disturbing but to hear that teenagers are taking their lives because they are being bullied in schools and dormitories, what have you, is kind of unfathomable,” the pop star said via satellite on to Ellen in an episode airing on Tuesday.
“I know a number of people have spoken out about it but I feel like I need to say something. The gay community has been incredibly supportive of me. I wouldn’t have a career if it weren’t for the gay community… I have a teenage daughter and I have ongoing discussions with her about this topic so I feel like I need to say a few words,” the pop icon continued.
”[My daughter and I] talk a lot about the importance of not judging people who are different. Not judging people who don’t fit into our expected view of what’s cool and what isn’t. Think about it across the board. The concept that we are torturing teenagers because they are gay,” Madonna told Ellen. “It’s kind of like I said earlier. It’s unfathomable. It’s like lynching black people or Hitler exterminating Jews. Sorry if I’m going on a rampage right now but this is America. The land of the free and the home of the brave.”
The pop star issued a challenge to Ellen’s audience.
“I think it would be interesting for everybody to try one simple experiment. If you want to talk about solutions or how can we solve this problem? Try to get through the day, each and everyone of us, without gossiping about somebody. Without gossiping about anybody, and not only that, not even listening to gossip. Walking away from it. Can you imagine what your day would be like? How much more free time you’d have? I also feel like you’d feel about better about yourself,” she continued.
Madonna also gave Ellen an update on her upcoming music plans once she’s finished with her directorial debut, “WE.”
“I’m editing [my film] and as soon as I’m done. I’ve got to get my butt in the studio and make some more music,” she added.
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