‘MDNA Show Manifesto:’ Madonna releases a statement defending the use of guns on her world tour

Metro received a statement today from Madonna, who is en route to Philadelphia, where she will open the North American leg of her MDNA World Tour tomorrow. Her concerts have already left a wake of controversy in nearly every country she visited, from Israel to London, due to X-rated stripteases and politically-charged statements.

In response to questions of whether Madonna would tone down the most controversial parts of her performance, which involve simulated shootouts and high-powered prop assault rifles, spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg simply said, “No.”

She also passed on the following statement from Madonna, which the singer has dubbed her “MDNA Show Manifesto:”

My show

Is a journey.

The journey of a soul from darkness to light

It is part cinematic musical theatre.

Part spectacle and sometimes intimate Performance art.

But above all its a journey

From darkness to light

From anger to love

from chaos to order.

It’s true there is a lot of violence in the beginning of the show and sometimes the use of fake guns – but they are used as metaphors.

I do not condone violence or the use of guns.

Rather they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging. In my case its wanting to stop the lies and hypocrisy of the church, the intolerance of many narrow minded cultures and societies I have experienced throughout my life

and in some cases the pain I have felt from having my heart broken.

Ultimately as we follow through the journey of my story, the audience can see quite clearly what I see – That the enemy is within and the only way to survive Disappointment Disapproval Judgment Heartbreak Jealousy Envy And Hatred Is with Love – not with revenge – not with guns and not with violence.

In spite of all the chaos and darkness and intolerance we seem to be encountering more and more in the world, We cannot allow our anger or bitterness to swallow us up.

We come to understand that

There is an innate and pure love inside us all and we have to find a way to tap into it.

And we can’t do it by being victims or placing the blame or pointing the finger at others.

But by recognizing that the enemy is within And when we come to terms with it And accept it And struggle to change ourselves, Then we can change the world without hurting anyone and we can inspire others to do the same.

When you watch a film there are usually good guys and bad guys to help illustrate this point, Sometimes I play both.

I enjoy acting out this journey.

For none of us are perfect and we all have our own journey of growth to go on.

I know people can relate to it.

It’s very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context.

It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end. I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, Invigorated and will want to make the world a better place.

And this of course was always my intention.

-Madonna