Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Madonna sparks controversy with Taiwan performance after wearing Taiwanese flag

Pictures of the singer were published in Taiwanese newspapers 

Heather Saul
Friday 05 February 2016 12:25 EST
Comments
(AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Madonna’s performance in Taiwan has become shrouded in controversy after the singer draped the Taiwanese flag around herself during an encore performance.

The Rebel Heart singer closed her show in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei on Thursday evening by reportedly wrapping the flag around herself.

Madonna has finished every show on the Rebel Hearts tour by wearing the country’s flag. But the move still proved divisive, with some considering it to be a show of support for the island after pictures of her wearing the flag were printed in Taiwanese newspapers.

On Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, AFP reports some users responded angrily, writing: “Madonna draped the flag and you think you are going to be recognised by the UN? So funny”.

Taiwan has self-governed since the civil war with China in 1949, but Beijing views it as a region that needs reuniting with mainland China.

The Independent has contacted Madonna for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in