Pop icon Madonna, 66, is openly embracing her relationship with a man 37 years her junior, sparking considerable public discussion. The singer recently fueled speculation about a potential upcoming wedding by flaunting a large diamond ring. Adding to the buzz, the “Material Girl” recently shared a shirtless photo of her younger beau in a sleepy state, a post that reportedly left many women “green with envy” and ignited further online chatter about their age-gap romance.

The attention surrounding her relationship has prompted Madonna to address the biting comments she receives about her age. She boldly stated, “You can’t live the way you want when you’re over 50, if you’re not a woman. Men of any age can live however they want — but I can’t.” She further highlighted the double standard by pointing out, “If you’re an older man, you can calmly date a 25-year-old. But if you’re an older woman, like me, you’ll immediately be called an old lady of low moral standing.”

This defiant stance has drawn a mixed bag of reactions from internet users. Some have lauded her comments with praise like “Bravo. Well said” and “You are beautiful at any age,” showing support for her challenging of societal norms. These sentiments reflect an appreciation for her outspokenness and her refusal to conform to conventional expectations for women her age.

However, a significant portion of online comments reveal skepticism and criticism, often questioning the authenticity of the relationship. Common refrains include: “But these relationships aren’t about love,” “This young man cannot love an older woman without chasing material wealth. Why don’t young men date ordinary pensioners, what do you think?” and “I haven’t seen a single guy who’d glance at grandmas without status and money.”

The prevailing sentiment among critics is a belief that the younger man’s motivation is primarily financial gain rather than genuine affection. Comments like “Show me at least one young man who started a romance with an old woman not for personal gain” encapsulate this viewpoint. These strong and often cynical reactions underscore the deep-seated societal biases and double standards that Madonna is actively challenging by living her life so publicly and unapologetically.