Photo Credit: Live Nation
Nearly a decade after the tragic shooting that claimed 49 lives and left 53 wounded at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Madonna is using her current tour as a platform to honor the victims and raise awareness about the devastating impact of the attack, which she referred to as the "biggest terrorist attack in America after 9/11."
During one of her Celebration Tour shows at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Madonna took a moment to reflect on the senseless violence that occurred on June 12, 2016. Emphasizing the importance of nightclubs, music, and dance as unifying forces, she lamented the tragedy that befell the Pulse nightclub, stating, "They shouldn't be places or things that bring us sadness and tragedy and murder and death and pain and suffering and trauma."
As a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, Madonna expressed her solidarity and support, inviting survivors, their families, and the families of the victims to her show. Fighting back tears, she reiterated her commitment to standing with the LGBTQ+ community, declaring, "I will always stand for the gays, always."
Madonna, visibly emotional, acknowledged the role of music in bringing people together and fostering happiness. She emphasized that such atrocities should never happen and urged her audience to remember their responsibility in combating discrimination and spreading light and positivity in the world.
Last June, Madonna faced her own health battle, being hospitalized with a bacterial infection that led to a medically induced coma. Despite the setback, she remained determined to fulfill her commitment to her fans and resume her tour. Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she received during her recovery, Madonna reassured her fans that she would return to the stage as soon as possible.
After officially launching her tour in London in October 2023, Madonna embarked on a series of performances across Europe, the United States, and Canada, with the tour set to conclude with a final show in Rio de Janeiro on May 4.
Jeff Ian
