The View Hosts Defend Madonna Against Ageist Criticism Following VMAs Performance

Co-hosts of The View have staunchly defended Madonna against what they describe as "ageist" backlash following her performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. The panel, including Whoopi Goldberg, 70, Alyssa Farah Griffin, 38, Sara Haines, 49, Ana Navarro, 54, and Sunny Hostin, 57, agreed that the 68-year-old singer has been unfairly criticized on social media.

During Monday's episode, the hosts addressed online comments targeting Madonna, with one user writing, "Madonna doesn’t know how to hang it up," and another stating, "Mama is TIRED and out of breath on this MTV #VMAs stage."

Goldberg also drew parallels to actress Jasmine Guy, 64, who has faced similar criticism regarding her age amid a Netflix reboot of her sitcom "A Different World." "These women are gorgeous," Goldberg commented.

Griffin highlighted the no-win situation often faced by women in the public eye. "Madonna’s being criticized for being too overtly sexual and trying to look too young, and Jasmine is being criticized for trying to age gracefully," she said. "You can’t win no matter which direction you take."

Navarro added, "Leave women alone. It’s hard. We are in menopause." Haines suggested that those posting negative comments might not be in a healthy mental state.

The discussion was prompted by Guy's recent Instagram post, which read in part: "The internet can be brutal to women as we grow older. It asks us to celebrate life while criticizing every sign that we’ve lived it." Guy concluded, "Beauty, style, and joy don’t have an expiration date. Let’s spend less time judging ourselves and each other, and more time loving each other, making memories, and living the life we’re here to live."

Hostin questioned the alternative to aging, noting the personal challenges many women face as they get older. "What’s so sad about all of this that’s going on with women and aging is, what is the alternative?" she asked. "How dare you shame someone for trying to age well and beautifully and just live. We need to realize what a blessing it is to be able to get to be that age."

Madonna opened the VMAs broadcast with a performance of her song "Bring Your Love" with collaborator Sabrina Carpenter, 27. The pop icon, who last appeared on the VMAs stage in 2003, donned a black satin trench coat, red bodysuit, and knee-high boots. The performance featured dancers and laser effects, with Madonna making a statement before the segment: "It's mother!"

Social media users subsequently criticized Madonna's performance, with some claiming she was lip-syncing and appeared out of breath. Haines responded to this criticism on "The View" by saying, "It shows how there's just no win for women."