Madonna - Nightline Interview (1990) Reaction

We're reacting to Madonna's 1990 interview on Nightline that focuses on the controversy surrounding her Justify My Love video.
Watch the original video from Dan K. here: • Madonna // NIGHTLINE I...
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[@rolandorodriguez4469]

I totally feel like the interviewer was on 1990 meanwhile Madonna was responding from 2023. Waaay ahead of her time.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Love this - What a great way to explain it! ❤️❤️

[@graphiquejack]

True, but I think the interviewer was fair, he was only asking questions the public were asking at the time, and giving her a platform to answer them and express her beliefs about censorship, double standards and society’s discomfort with sexuality, queerness and women’s freedom. She clearly held no grudge against him… he interviewed her at least one other time later on. I just think he played devil’s advocate and respected her enough to let her share her viewpoints.

[@zszs7466]

there is nothing wrong with the interviewer. he respected Madonna. I know , the fact that he is a man is suspicious for you watching from 2023. But believe me there are some real good man out there )

[@terrystorey]

He seemed like he came to have a new respect and even started liking for her as the interview went on.

[@gamerlest509]

Beautifully summed up

[@Icon4life2]

Madonna showed why she's the Queen. Smart. Tough. Funny. Truthful. A artist defending her art and standing up for what's right. Most could not or would not dare. And this was in 1990. Sadly things are worse today. Thank god, we still have Madonna here, pushing and speaking out. You guys made some great points. Love you guys and this journey!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you! Love you right back! ❤️❤️

[@kristianberg4264]

This was such an important interview for Madonna and really, anyone in the industry, yet she was fighting this fight alone and never once, did any of her peers come to her defense or support her. Madonna barreled head first through every glass ceiling, while every female after her, merrily skipped along behind reaping the benefits.😊❤

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

❤️❤️

[@theKarstenR]

In every interview Madonna is always the one in charge. With her smart and her wit. And this is a prime example of that.

[@teralmiles]

Best interview ever! Especially when she starts pointing her pen. Total Queen!!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

The pen was perfection! ❤️❤️

[@Mosab.Mohammad]

This is the moment, the moment where Madonna became ahead, above and more important than any mainstream artist during that/until this time, THE ULTIMATE QUEEN OF POP.

[@sillywilly7887]

Very well said. This is the moment she became more than a pop artist, a singer, an actress, a performer, a musician. She became an ICON. She became the Queen.

[@Marc-zi5cq]

She's the real deal. You can tell she is speaking her mind, not just media trained and prepared for every answer in advance, it was spontaneous. Nowdays, popstars barely say anything without their publicist and managers.

[@NocturneSoul]

She's the most articulate person ever. And she's brilliant. I could listen to her for hours. And also I love how she shines under pressure. You can't mess with Madonna. She knows what she's talking about.

[@alolucasTV]

Yo también podría escucharla horas de horas!

[@machinagirl]

I remember staying up to watch this. She is a very passionate artist and she does not waiver at all.

[@Madonnism]

Madonna has paved the road for every single artist, she had to answered these kind of questions, she had to deal with the hate from the media and other “artists”, she had to fight against all kind of prejudices and she won! She has made a better world to live in it, Madonna saved my life, that’s why I love her so much!!

[@dalestark9505]

The interviewer did a very good job of questions. He wasn't judgy - he got madonna to get down to the nitty gritty. He was very fair and didn't go for gotcha moments. He later interviewed her for Evita and Something to Remember.

[@tmalone2530]

Madonna was truly ahead of her time with this. She was right about everything. Here we are 34 years later and this interview is still relevant. She spoke her truth and she was always so articulate; still is.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Well said. ❤️❤️

[@giacomosalibra1656]

Anyone who has followed Madonna in all these years also knows that each of her works is full of style, each time she makes aesthetic choices as well as content. Even in the audacity of “Justify my love” there are references to European cinema, to the nouvelle vague. To fully understand Madonna's work it is necessary to have a knowledge of art history. I think her problem was that she started out as a popular artist: Madonna was for everyone. But then things changed. Those who did not have certain cultural tools to understand could only judge her superficially. From a certain point onwards Madonna struggled with her popularity.

[@mshernandeza1787]

Madonna is very eloquent and intelligent human being when it comes answering some stupid questions from the media. She will show you how brilliant she is answering these questions and her humor is on TOP. She is and still the BOSS. 👑

[@todddepue681]

This interview was a great moment for her. She handled all the "tough questions" and even managed to inject some moments of humor. Some criticize Forrest Sawyer, but I always thought he was way more respectful in this situation than a lot of others would have been. A few years later, he has another really great interview with her. And yes, that buttoned up Chanel suit sent just the right message.

[@mlvc82]

I loved this.. And I absolutely will ALWAYS! ALWAYS! Stand up for QUEEN MADONNA! She’s earned that title..from her charity work, to her outspokenness on every topic person or population that’s been the underdog and/or maligned, to her revolutionary forward thinking positions! Her phenomenal work ethic.. Her POWER! HER EMPOWERMENT! Her constant and consistent support of the LGBTQ+ community from the beginning.. And of course her visionary/TREMENDOUS Artistic work! QUEEN MADONNA FOREVAH!

[@chrism.4544]

when men discuss these issues, they are being assertive and showing artistic integrity.

[@s.tupper4159]

Sadly, if anything, things are worse today in many states (and provinces in Canada) with parents demanding parental rights at schools and demanding that sex education only include abstinence and no discussion around gender or gender expression. Madonna is dead on as always. You both also hit the nail on the head regarding the glorification of violence (constant mass shootings aren't enough to motivate changes to permissive gun laws). Very sad that this still goes on so routinely. Madonna always speaks truth in her art, but only the evolved are listening.

[@FranklinDeLuna-wg8vo]

She’s just brilliant

[@diap21]

Unfortunately, these new generations will never understand what Madonna was in those years, that is, Madonna is undeniable in life, but she was never like any pop star, talking just to talk... perfectionist and avant-garde, she didn't just do things to sell, or maybe she did, but she had a reason and that helped prevent more artists from being attacked like she was at that time, They tried to boycott her art, sometimes they succeeded but mostly she won ❤

[@yrankin1]

Yaaaassss ladies.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

❤️❤️

[@wes9061]

I’ve watched this interview 100 times because her responses are PERFECT everytime he thought he got her with a question she responded with something so smart it left him puzzled

[@HenryCLHarries]

Madonna walked so others could run , shes my favourite because she combines so many incredible elements of srt, lyrics, productions, performances, statements everything from her debut to Madame X in her 60s shes still doing and pushing and being the best ...she just is ✨🫶👑

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Yes! ❤️❤️

[@carolineneisha]

5:38 smiled at this part… I often wondered about her and Sean Penn, but this clip shows how much they had in common

[@lucasalexander4394]

unbelievable that all these concepts are still relevant now.

[@renenielsen92]

i can't remember any other Artist that has had to defend their artistic expression like this-- and that in a nightline interview. it was a serious news program that didn't dabble with Entertainment news. Mind you MTV had declined to show the Video. ABC and Nightline was the first channel to show the video in the USA - imagine how many tuned into the program to see the music video that everyone was talking about bust few people had seen. And yes it was a topic matter that she'd explore more in the future-2 years later she released Erotica . Such a powermove and some will say it almost destroyed her career.. (side note; Judas Priest having to go to court for their lyrics played backwards is another example come to think of it)

[@taintedlife2618]

It was happening in hip hop with 2 Live Crew and Ice-T and NWA I think. Nobody in pop was really pushing anybody’s buttons. They were always being very safe artistically. She pretty much fought the fight alone.

[@richardc8795]

Yesssssss!!!! Ty for reviewing this! Taking me back! You are correct, he really just does not get it. How many times did she say where the line was? 😆 It’s interesting that in America, violence is completely acceptable. John Wick can violently murder hundreds of people before your eyes in a movie, but Madonna talking about sex is off the table. She articulates herself so well! And what she has to say is still relevant today. Back then condoms in schools were sending parents picketing, now it’s the gender discussion. I have a feeling you will not be so shocked by the video. It definitely falls into the category of soft porn… But it is beautiful and very artistic. In another interview, she explains how MTV did not even offer an opportunity to clean up one or two parts, they had an problem with the entire theme of the video, and banned it. She made out like a bandit, releasing it on videotape… I was one that bought the tape. 😆 Great review ladies! Have a wonderful day. ♥️

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️ Have a great evening! ❤️

[@MeghanChavalier]

She always was and continues to be ahead of her time.

[@shawnwilliams3507]

LOVE THIS INTERVIEW 😀 ❤ AND LOVE YOU GUYS ❤❤ 😊😊

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Sending much love to you! ❤️❤️

[@JaysonSan-xp1zp]

Love u girls!!! Im binging ❤

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Love you back! ❤️❤️

[@michaelmcdonald2326]

Love this reaction. It's great you touched on the feminism aspect at the end. You need to react to the 'Madonna Woman of The Year Billboard Women in Music 2016 speech

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️ We've actually seen the Woman of the Year speech, but we may do a review/discussion of it when we get to that point in her career. It's such a powerful speech. ❤️❤️

[@tapanim6576]

Great interview. Madonna is brilliant in this.

[@Xfile1947]

I bought two VSH copies. One is still sealed!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

That's awesome!

[@cristoferchanimak]

Yes yes yes.

[@williammarloncoup1681]

You both also get and your voices need to be heard especially with our political climate. I remember getting in line on a cold December morning at 7 am and freezing until Tower records opened in NYC. Some people where there as early as 4am windy and snow freezing temps to purchase that video. Which I still have!!!!Great reaction ladies. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️ And thank you for sharing that story - So great that you still have it!

[@andrewcollis-prather9778]

All this and SMART too! This was a game changing interview….I was living in England at the time and the video justify my love was aired only after midnight…..my generation loved it! Great reaction, thoughtful and forthright! 💕 Thank-you both!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you! ❤️❤️ And thank you for sharing how the video was handled in England at the time!

[@stephensmith9355]

Could you imagine, Taylor, Beyonce, doing an interview like this... NO ONE has ever spoken out like this some have skirted the issues but not tackled it head on like she did.. Fearless warrior queen.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Love her willingness to go all in! ❤️❤️

[@Madonnism]

Tahnk you for reacting to this interview! This is the BEST INTERVIEW EVER!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@JackieBaisa]

She fought this fight almost totally alone back then. She paved the way for the rest. She is so far ahead of her time. (Still is.) The interviewer is sooooo 1900s white conservative male. Nothing wrong with that (NOT a man-hater here, so don't come at me bruh), but when faced with blatant sexuality such as the likes of Madonna, he's pushing back. It's great to see her standing her ground the whole time.

[@graphiquejack]

I think he was playing devil’s advocate, asking the questions people had of her, and gave her an opportunity to speak her mind and express her opinions. A couple of times he repeated the same types of questions, but overall he was fair and allowed her a platform, which probably a lot of other interviewers wouldn’t do. She was taking a lot of heat at this time. It was good that she was able to address the criticism and she handled it like a boss. I love this interview. One of her best ever.

[@blakey2408]

I love this interview… he clearly was trying to get Madonna to back down or trip up. But she stuck to her guns and came across really well! This guy really boiled my blood… extremely narrow minded on the TV but we all know behind closed doors he has his own fantasies 😅

[@motttjames]

Have to disagree, he was playing devils advocate and you can kind of tell that he gets her.

[@terrystorey]

It wasnt just about the sexuality. It was totally about a Woman owning her own sexuality. They had videos of men doing all kinds of things to women. They didn't like it when a woman was in charge of the situation. It was totally about keeping woman down. It still is in a lot of ways. But, Madonna kicked the door down and came through it with two middle fingers and brought a lot of female's from the next generations with her.

[@TonyRom257]

Awesome ladies! No one mentioned it in the interview but just. look at the violence in cartoons that was prevalent and acceptable at that time, and parents, the church, and the moral majority said nothing.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@acnyc4601]

Madonna's unyielding defiance against societal expectations has long been a testament to her resilience in the face of relentless scrutiny and criticism. From the outset of her career, she boldly asserted control over her body and sexuality, a move that immediately made her a target for detractors. Despite predictions of her fleeting success as a mere "one-hit wonder" dating back to 1982, Madonna's unwavering determination and undeniable talent have only served to further incense her critics, who have lazily resorted to vilifying her as a convenient scapegoat. In this interview, the hypocrisy of such criticism was starkly exposed, particularly through the selective and judgmental line of questioning employed by outlets catering to conservative sensibilities, such as Nightline. By attempting to shame Madonna for not conforming to traditional roles of motherhood and wholesome behavior, these interrogators revealed their own biases and expectations, primarily dictated by patriarchal norms. What emerged from this exchange was not merely Madonna's quick-witted responses, but rather her steadfast refusal to apologize for who she is or compromise her artistic integrity and autonomy. Her unwavering stance against the attempts to belittle and constrain her serves as a powerful rebuke to the double standards and hypocrisy that continue to plague society. Furthermore, it's worth acknowledging the collaborative efforts of artists like Lenny Kravitz, whose songwriting contributions, though initially unrelated to Madonna, nonetheless resonated deeply with her ethos. Kravitz's recognition of Madonna's embodiment of the song's themes underscores the pervasive understanding of her cultural impact, transcending mere expectations and stereotypes. In essence, Madonna's resilience and refusal to be boxed into societal norms serve as a beacon of empowerment for all who dare to challenge the status quo, reminding us that true liberation lies in embracing one's authentic self, regardless of the backlash it may provoke.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Very well said - Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@dudedandify]

Justify My Love live from The Girlie Show is pure art. You should check it out! Love your reactions!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@timothyfifield8369]

In Australia at the time , in the 1990’s we had a music video show that ran Friday and Saturday nights from 12am - 8am called Rage , every time a new Madonna song came out the programmers would do all Madonna music videos from Everbody to say Justify My Love, so Justify My Love was never banned here , you could always watch it whenever it was airing, the music video single was available to so you had that option as a fan , most people just taped it all on vhs free playback on the tv 😊❤️

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you for sharing that! ❤️❤️ It's great that they came up with a solution in Australia!

[@timothyfifield8369]

@@OurAnxiousReactions Madonna has a huge fan base here , not many people know this however in 1985 Into the Groove , Crazy for You were the top 2 songs for weeks , then Material Girl came back in again , it was Mad . You should check out the free show she did in Melbourne at small theatre during the Rebel Heart Tour , it’s a one nighter called Tears of a Clown , she does a lot of songs that are more unsung hits , it’s a treat .

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you for letting us know about the one night show - Sounds great! ❤️

[@Blogodiseablog]

One of the most wild interviews of her. I likes also the CEO look she had, haha. It's like she needed to wear and act like a political contender in a debate. It is true that sex bothers the society in which we live, and if it does not hurt someone, it does not have to be a bad thing. However, it is true that violence is widely accepted in our culture. I subscribe to all of Madonna's words, if a video with sex scenes opens a debate between parents and children about sexuality issues, surely children will be more prepared for life and will be able to avoid mistakes. It is collateral damage of religions, making knowledge seem bad. Kisses girls 😘😘😘

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Yes, she definitely was definitely prepared for this interview! ❤️😘

[@AndrewSrivanlop]

I just love your videos!!! I just have to say! Keep them coming. ♥

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you! ❤️❤️

[@oscardelgado1075]

I really enjoyed this reaction, love it

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@larryjones3124]

Madonna has received some of her most brutal criticism from other women. When she was younger, she was a slut who made women look bad, yet she was also trend setter and idol for millions of women around the world. Then, as she got older, the ageism started. I remember seeing her live during the Reeinvention Tour, doing things at 46 years old that many women half her age should be envious of, but instead I was hearing from women all around me that she should "grow old gracefully" and it was "becoming creepy" to see her be so openly sexy at her age. My God, she was in amazing shape and worked her _ss off to be in that shape. Why shouldn't she be able to flaunt it? It's as if the more powerful (and I believe positive) her image became, people wanted to just tear her down. In 2016 she accepted the Woman of the Year Award and gave a speech in which she again addressed the vitriol she receives from feminists. If you get a chance, that would make a great reaction video someday. Thank you for doing this video. It was inspiring for me years ago, and I still love watching how she takes apart his arguments with nothing but the truth. ❤

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️❤️ And very well said!

[@Guy-lo3ld]

Hi, thanks for reacting to this interesting interview! I haven't watched it in many years. I just wanted to give you a slight warning, Emily. 😁 Justify my love is extra spicy! Be prepared to watch it with your mom! Lol

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@briandubois-gilbert8182]

Yes, great you covered this interview. This allowed Madonna to explain where she’s coming from with regards to her art that bigoted segments of society find “objectionable” or controversial. I agree it’s an excellent segway prior to your reacting to her groundbreaking Justify My Love mv. I find her portrayal of partial nudity, sexuality, and eroticism in her art as liberating and artfully done. It may have been daring and controversial then but it looks tame today. It’s not gratuitous, exploitative and degrading like the violence, cruelty, porn, sexism, misogyny that’s often depicted in films, tv, online and print. Having a Catholic upbringing, I think the Catholic Church has played a large role in influencing Western society’s morality with regards to nudity, sexuality and eroticism. In Catholic puritanical dogma-any sexual act, desire, and thought outside of marriage is a sin. Any sexual act other than between a heterosexual married couple is a grave sin. Artificial means of birth control and abortion is a sin. Masturbation, watching porn and reading X-rated magazines is a sin. Dressing “lewdly”, nudity in general is a sin. Women should remain pure, chaste until they get married; they should be always obedient and subservient to their husbands. Unmarried Catholics should abstain from any sex until they get married. And all these dogma promulgated by a male-dominated, patriarchy of the Church that values celibacy and repressing their sexual urges. It’s no wonder that Madonna and many Catholics have rebelled and left the Catholic Church and its rigid orthodoxy. Many felt this patriarchy has been hypocritical in condemning Madonna’s embrace of sexual diversity and sexuality in her artistry when they’re caught in denial and covering up clergy sexual scandal (abuse, pedophilia) that has come to light and resulted in costly lawsuits and more dissension among Catholics. ❤Appreciate the maturity and insight of your reaction to this interview.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️❤️ And thank you for sharing your thoughts on the church's influence on Western society's views regarding sexuality. Such an important conversation. ❤️

[@gaijinlife]

Great video! im so glad you reacted to this interview... I was going to suggest you react to it after watching the video to Justify My Love... but I actually think watching this interview first was a smart move!! It sets up the video so well. I just love you two and enjoy your reactions so much! Excited to see what you think of the video itself. I personally think its very artistic. Hope you enjoy....

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️ We love that you're here with us!

[@bjh201268]

🙋‍♂️DONT YOU JUST LOVE HER ??? HAIL TO THE QUEEN !!! 👑

[@Hugo-fs9sf]

Madonna. Ahead of her time. She's pissed here. Doesn't feel heard. Probably her whole career. 😂 Love to hear her explain and point out the double standards in our cultures.

[@user-sc3cl1im4r]

i have a must see if you'd like to seee with M

[@danijel83]

The same interviewer interviewed her in 1995 right? U know that interview she did at her former LA home

[@rowanmayfair9249]

Basically, don't let the TV or now internet raise your child. It's as simple as that.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

❤️❤️

[@Garcelle1987]

I watched an interview with Madonna which was filmed a little while after this nightline interview and she said it was an odd set up where she couldn’t actually see the host, she had a dodgy earpiece that didn’t work very well to hear the questions But Madonna was brilliant in interview nonetheless

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Incredible. With all that going on, she was still amazing! ❤️❤️

[@dudedandify]

Can you react to the Madonna/David Letterman interview from 1994? It was such a scandal back then, almost ruined her career (good luck with that). Anyway, I think you would both appreciate it.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

We'll put it on the list! ❤️❤️

[@BeachKokomo]

Hello interviewer… the song was named “Express Yourself”! 🙄

[@markstar6056]

Madonna is such a smart lady ❤You ladies don’t appear to be prudes, however FYI “Justify My Love” is an amazing video, but is very sexual. It’s almost like a 5 min soft porn video but with a good backing track! 😂

[@kristianberg4264]

For god’s sake, it’s not even that sexual in the least, and no where near Porn, that’s a bit dramatic.

[@graphiquejack]

Nowadays young people watch Justify My Love and Erotica (both available 24/7 on YT now) and go, why was this so controversial? That’s the M effect. There’s still a lot of prudish people out there, and to some it would probably shock… I don’t see ANY artist, male or female, doing something like the Sex book now… but she’s also had a hand in changing people’s attitudes about women, racism and queerness. We are living in a current era of backlash again… we need another artist as fearless as M to tackle this shit… and we need her to keep up the fight.

[@krbr5934]