Madonna has published her 'MDNA Show Manifesto' defending the use of gun imagery.

Madonna and controversy are never far apart, but the singer's latest tour has - for some - simply gone too close to the bone. Fresh from a spat with the French far right, the singer is facing criticism from sources a little closer to home.

A series of shootings in the United States have re-ignited the debate over gun control, at the same time as Madonna's MDNA tour boasts gun imagery.

Set to play Philadelphia shortly, Madonna responded to criticism by issuing the 'MDNA Show Manifesto'. It opens:

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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.

- - -

Read the full manifesto HERE. (via Philadelphia Metro)