eurovision 2019

Madonna Defends Her Decision to Perform at Eurovision Israel

Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for GLAAD

Madonna has decided to not be swayed by calls to boycott Israel by pro-Palestinian-rights groups. “I’ll never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be,†she said in a statement to Reuters. “My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict. I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace.â€

Palestinian-rights groups disagree on the logic she’s using, but, according to Pitchfork, her performance is still not even confirmed. Eurovision’s executive supervisor, Jon Ola Sand, said during a press conference that Madonna’s contract was not yet signed and that without it she could not perform. So, there’s that.

Madonna Defends Her Decision to Perform at Eurovision Israel