Was asked to present award, not an Aretha Franklin tribute: Madonna on VMA backlash

It was reported that the 60-year-old singer was invited to pay respects to Franklin, who passed away on August 16 at the age of 76.

Madonna has responded to the backlash she faced after her Aretha Franklin "tribute" speech at 2018's MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), saying she was invited to present an award and not pay homage to the Queen of Soul.

It was reported that the 60-year-old singer was invited to pay respects to Franklin, who passed away on August 16 at the age of 76.

She was, however, slammed by the viewers for being self-involved in her address, which was called "awkward" and "beyond disrespectful".

Madonna took to Instagram to share a picture with VMA winner Camila Cabello and clarify her stand.

"I'm with the Winner!! The beautiful @camila_cabello! So proud of her! And just to clarify: I was asked to present the video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin! I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her!

"That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment. Unfortunately, most people have short attention spans and are so quick to judge. I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T. I Love Camilla! Congrats! I LOVE my dress! AND. I love -L O V E!! and there is nothing anyone can say or do that will change that. #vmas #postivevibes," she wrote.

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