Madonna’s BBC Radio 1 Ban: Shirley Manson Suggests Legal Intervention, La Roux’s Elly Jackson Cracks Jokes

Mike Wass | February 17, 2015 2:57 pm
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BBC Radio 1 sparked a major controversy last week when they reportedly refused to play Madonna‘s new single “Living For Love” because of her age. The influential British radio station has since denied the accusations, saying: “The tracks played on Radio 1 are chosen on musical merit… an artist’s age is never a factor.” However, that hasn’t stopped Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson recommending legal action.

“If I was @madonna I would seriously contemplate suing BBC Radio 1 for discrimination in the workplace,” the rock queen tweeted. “In all seriousness, Radio 1’s policy of discrimination against age is bordering on, if not actively, unlawful. Beware intolerance. It spreads.” While Shirley was quick to leap to Madonna’s defense, La Roux‘s Elly Jackson wasn’t as compassionate — or concerned. “Age is actually a less offensive alternative to being branded too shit to be on the radio,” she wrote. “Lol cry.”

As for the 56-year-old pop icon? Well, she jumped on Instagram and posted a picture comprised of quotes from an old interview with Jonathon Ross. “Not only do we suffer from sexism and racism, but we also suffer from ageism,” Madonna lamented. “Once you reach a certain age, you’re not allowed to be adventurous, you’re not allowed to be sexual.” The eerily prophetic comments ends in a typically #unapologetic manner. “Are you supposed to just die when you’re 40?” See the fall-out below.

Shirley Manson’s thoughts:

Elly Jackson’s failed attempt at humor:

Madonna’s Instagram response:

Predicting the future with Jonathan Ross so many years ago! ❤️#rebelheart @jrossshow

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on

Is Radio 1 merely catering to their listeners or is this a legitimate case of discrimination? Have your say in the comments below.

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