Even If You’re Madonna, It’s Wrong To Force Sexual Attention On Someone

The internet is in an uproar this morning over footage of Madonna seemingly forcing a rather lengthy kiss on rapper Drake during a performance at the Coachella music festival last night. There are headlines everywhere, mostly focusing on how “gross” it was due to Madonna’s age, but what I want to focus on is consent. We tell even our very small children that they need to keep their hands to themselves and not hug or kiss someone if they don’t want you to. It doesn’t matter if you’re as famous as Madonna — it is simply never acceptable to force yourself sexually on someone.

Here is the video, in case you missed it:

[youtube_iframe id=”niInmg0Bwgw”]

There is buzz that it might have been planned and knowing the attention Madonna’s onstage kisses have gotten her in the past, that wouldn’t surprise me. However, I don’t think consent is something to joke about. The depiction of a person forcing themselves sexually on another person is not entertaining to me, especially when we’re led to believe it may not have been theater. It is harmful for children and teens to see as it drives home the idea that if you’re in a position of power, it is ok to take what you want physically from someone, whether they like it or not.

For whatever reason, Drake was obviously not into the level of force Madonna employed in that kiss. Honestly, his reasons for appearing unhappy about it don’t matter — he didn’t seem to want it but she made it happen anyway. It’s not cool. The way she said “I’m Madonna” and sauntered off afterward left a clear message — she sees herself in a position to take what she wants, whether it’s consensual or not, because she is Madonna. I don’t like the headlines focusing on her age and how Drake looked like he wanted to “throw up.” That’s not the issue to me. It shouldn’t matter if she’s the age she is or 22 — she forced herself on him and it’s wrong on every level.

(Video: YouTube)