Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Entertainment
Heather Saul

Madonna sparks controversy with Taiwan performance after wearing Taiwanese flag

Madonna’s performance in Taiwan has become shrouded in controversy after the singer draped the Taiwanese flag around herself during an encore performance. 

The Rebel Heart singer closed her show  in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei on Thursday evening by reportedly wrapping the flag around herself. 

Madonna has finished every show on the Rebel Hearts tour by wearing the country’s flag. But the move still proved divisive, with some considering it to be a show of support for the island after pictures of her wearing the flag were printed in Taiwanese newspapers.

On Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, AFP reports some users responded angrily, writing: “Madonna draped the flag and you think you are going to be recognised by the UN? So funny”. 

Taiwan has self-governed since the civil war with China in 1949, but Beijing views it as a region that needs reuniting with mainland China. 

The Independent has contacted Madonna for comment. 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.