
Luther Vandross’ convinced Madonna to remove a photo of the late singer she included in her tour’s AIDS tribute.
Luther Vandross’ estate has convinced Madonna to remove a photo of the late singer in her tour’s AIDS tribute.
The pop star has played a photo montage of friends and famous figures who died from AIDS while singing her 1986 song “Live to Tell.” Singers Freddie Mercury, Sylvester, and painter Keith Haring are among those included. However, when Vandross’s photo was included in the Saturday show in Sacramento, California, his estate was caught off guard.
“Not sure why he was added belatedly, but it is an interesting choice.”
Vandross sued a British music magazine in 1985 for publishing a report attributing his 85-pound weight loss to AIDS. When news of Madonna’s AIDS tribute mishap hit social media, she faced criticism and questions from the public.
“Somehow I feel like this racist,” one user wrote.
“He passed from a heart attack right? why would she include him in the first place,” another user asked.
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Source: Black Enterprise