A Filipino archbishop from Lipa City, found south of the Philippines' capital, has called a boycott for Madonna's "Rebel Heart" tour stop in Manila, due to the "Like A Virgin" singer's "suggestive" lifestyle, "vulgar" clothing and "blasphemous" actions.
57-year-old Madonna is currently on a world tour to promote her 13th studio album, "Rebel Heart." But, unfortunately, her trademark style and use of religious symbols has caused problems in other countries.
"Why is the Catholic Philippines the favorite venue for blasphemy against God and the Holy Mother?" asked archbishop Ramon Arguelles, referencing that 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic. "Pinoys and all God-loving people should avoid sin and occasions of sin."
The archbishop even went out to say that Madonna is just a stage name for the pop star. "It's not even her real name. She is just using [Madonna] to taunt Mother Mary," Arguelles argued.
However, USA Today reports that the archbishop's allegations were incorrect. As a matter of fact, Madonna's real name is Madonna Louise Ciccone - and was even raised as a Catholic.
According to Reuters, Madonna arrived on Monday, two days before her February 24 and 25 concert dates. The "Material Girl" visited Catholic-run orphanages during her stay, "including one of the oldest, near the presidential palace."
In spite of the call for boycott, Madonna's "Rebel Heart" two-day concert was still sold out - which is no surprise, given that the highly-anticipated concert was her first in the Philippines.