Madonna's Fake-Gun Use Offends Colorado Concertgoers Three Months After Aurora Shooting

Pop star's controversial use of violent imagery offended some in the Denver audience; others were upset she started MDNA tour show three hours late

By Rebecca Macatee Oct 19, 2012 5:59 PMTags
Madonnayoutube.com

It's yet another misfire from the Material Girl.

Just three months after the tragic Dark Knight Rises shooting in Aurora, Colo., Madonna didn't show much sensitivity to the neighboring city of Denver. During her performance Thursday night at the Pepsi Center, the 54-year-old pop star relied heavily on prop guns, even starting off her concert by firing fake shots.

During "Gang Bang," Madonna and several dancers dressed in black made their way across the stage, mock-shooting each other. A giant screen simulated splattering blood and falling bodies.

Local NBC affiliate 9News reported receiving several calls from concertgoers who were extremely offended Madonna used guns and violence in the show in light of recent events in Aurora.

Other attendees told E! News, however, they were more upset with Madge for starting her concert "three hours late."

Ian Gavan/Getty Images

This, of course, isn't Madonna's only MDNA tour gaffe. She's used fake guns and even swastika imagery throughout her performances, telling Billboard in a "manifesto" that it's because "they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging."

She also pointed out that "when you watch a film there are usually good guys and bad guys to help illustrate this point. Sometimes I play both. I enjoy acting out this journey...I know people can relate to it. It's very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context."

—Additional reporting by Baker Machado