At the Coachella Music Festival this year, Madonna surprised Drake -- and thousands of festivalgoers -- by kissing him onstage at the end of their act. While after the fact Drake came out saying his “surprised" expression was not made in disgust and that he was okay with what happened, what Madonna did was not right in any form.
First off, the age difference is absurd. Madonna is 56 years old and Drake is literally half her age at 28. But this isn't the most important factor to consider. What is important is that Madonna kissed Drake without consent and in front of thousands of people. This kind of attention makes it very difficult for Drake to ever say that it was unwarranted or unpleasant. This kind of situation is a form of sexual assault where the victim feels trapped and cannot reveal that they were uncomfortable.
Drake came out to the press afterwards, saying that what Madonna in no way disgusted him (although he is not attracted to her). However, in the same situation, it is clear that the pressure of the press to keep Madonna in good standing would be enough to make him dispel any bad rumors about the situation. He clearly was repulsed by the unsolicited kissing – wiping his mouth and doubling over saying “What the f**k just happened?" after Madonna left the stage. In addition, it was said that Rihanna encouraged Madonna and supported her actions. Does the situation of two people teaming up to make someone publicly uncomfortable seem right in any way, even if it were not sexual assault?
Madonna is a mother of four children. What kind of role model is she being for them? She is teaching them that if you are under the spotlight, it is okay to take advantage of someone. She then has the gall to imply that people are being sexist and ageist by accusing her of assault. No matter what her age or gender, what she did was not by any means permissible. She acted extremely immaturely by turning to Instagram to brush off criticism instead of facing it and acknowledging that her actions were, in fact, wrong.
Let's take a minute and think about a reversal of gender roles. If a 56-year-old man kissed a 28-year-old woman during a concert without consent and in front of thousands, there would be public outrage. Why are we treating Drake any differently just because he is male and Madonna is female? We are reinforcing gender stereotypes by saying that Drake is stronger than Madonna and that he would be able to say if her actions were uncomfortable or unwarranted.
As a society, we need to realize that any situation of unwanted touching, kissing, catcalling, or such behavior is unacceptable, and we must support all victims of sexual assault, whether they are male, female, celebrity, adult, child or college student. It is time to speak up against actions such as these – especially when they happen in the public eye. Let us teach consent. Let's say no to sexual assault.
