Pop queen Madonna has defended her ‘mock crucifixion’, saying her controversial stage show – in which she is suspended from a giant cross wearing a thorn crown - is no different to ‘wearing a cross’.
Religious groups have been blasting the singer, who is currently on her world tour, over the cross scene and NBC may decide to cut the crucifixion routine, which Madonna performs to the song 'Live To Tell', from its November broadcast of the tour.
"It is no different than a person wearing a cross. My performance is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous," Madonna says in a statement.
"It is my plea to the audience to encourage mankind to help one another," she adds. "I believe in my heart that if Jesus were alive today he would be doing the same thing.
Russian Orthodox and Catholic leaders disagree, branding Madonna’s routine as blasphemous.
