Pop music stars Madonna and Charli XCX were seen together at the Saint Laurent Men's Paris Fashion Week show on Tuesday, engaging in conversation and sharing cigarettes, which appeared to mend recent speculation of a falling out between the artists. The pair, both dressed in lace ensembles, were observed posing for photographs.
Recent reports suggested a potential feud stemming from Charli XCX's new single "Rock Music," which includes the lyric, "I think the dancefloor is dead, so now we're making rock music." Madonna appeared to respond to this line with a cryptic Instagram post stating, "If your dance floor feels dead. Maybe you’re playing the wrong music."
However, any animosity between the singers was not evident at the fashion event, where they were seen embracing and kissing each other on the cheek. Madonna wore a red lace mini-dress with pink and black heels, while Charli XCX donned a red leather dress with lace detailing, black tights, and pointed heels.
Following the show, both artists were observed dancing together at an after-party to songs including Madonna's "Hung Up" and "Thief Of Hearts."
Charli XCX is preparing to release her seventh album, "Music, Fashion, Film," next month. The album includes the singles "Rock Music" and "SS26." In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Charli XCX defended the lyrics in "Rock Music," clarifying that they were specific to her personal experience with her album "Brat" and not a dismissal of dance music. She noted the strong presence of dance and electronic-adjacent music in recent releases and stated that dance music is currently in a "wealth of incredible" state.
She has also emphasized that her upcoming album should not be categorized strictly as a rock record. Charli XCX has previously expressed admiration for Madonna, citing her 1991 tour documentary "Truth Or Dare" as an influence.
Earlier in the week, Charli XCX disclosed that she is experiencing significant mental health struggles as she approaches her album release. She described being in "the worst place mentally" she has been in, attributing this to the exhaustion from her recent tour and a "complicated relationship" with performing. To manage her anxiety, she has been reducing her social media presence and limiting press interviews. She told Rolling Stone that her anxiety was becoming physically affecting and that she needed to prioritize her well-being. She also mentioned that she has been more offline, as it is "better for my brain," acknowledging this might be surprising given her past as an "online artist."
Charli XCX added that her emotions have been "very, very volatile" recently. She has found support through therapy, spending time with her husband, and confiding in Matty Healy of The 1975, who she described as being "helpful in his way."