Madonna is angry: For the first time since 1988, the US government ignored World AIDS Day.
Since 1988, December 1st has marked World AIDS Day, when victims around the world are remembered and information is also raised about HIV/AIDS. This year, for the first time, the US government decided not to officially recognize this day of remembrance. A no-go for Madonna. That’s why she attacks Donald Trump on her Instagram channel.
State Department bans AIDS Day communications
To understand: As the New York Times reports, the US State Department has instructed its employees via email to “refrain from sending messages on commemorations, including World AIDS Day.” They may continue to “highlight the work to combat this dangerous disease and other infectious diseases worldwide” but should “refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through all communication channels,” the statement said. Authority spokesman Tommy Pigott described this to the New York Times as part of a changing approach in the fight against infectious diseases. “A day of action is not a strategy,” says Pigott. For Madonna, it’s a decision that’s not okay.
Madonna reacts angrily and shares experiences
Madonna, who lost numerous friends and companions to AIDS in the 80s, reacted to the decision with a detailed statement on social media. In her statement, the singer emphasized the importance of the day of remembrance for millions of people worldwide who have also lost relatives, friends and partners to the disease.
She also called the new order “ridiculous, absurd and unthinkable” and pointed out that to date there is no cure for AIDS and people continue to die from the disease.
The 67-year-old also described personal experiences. She said she would continue to recognize World AIDS Day and called on others to do the same.
Madonna’s Instagram statement about Trump’s administration:
This is not Madonna’s first public rage speech against the US President. The US star had already complained about Trump in a speech at the Women’s March in Washington in 2017, whereupon Donald Trump described her as “disgusting”.