Madonna Explains MDNA Tour Gunplay As 'Metaphors'

You can't spell Madonna without "controversy." Okay, maybe you can, but the legendary pop singer has made headlines for nearly four decades thanks to her proclivity for outrageous behavior.

The recently wrapped European leg of the MDNA tour was no exception
. From images of swastikas
 that angered a French politician, to a series of breast- and bum-flashing
 incidents, a lawsuit over her support of LGBT rights in Russia
 and a tempest in a teacup over her brief Paris club show
 for fans, the outing made almost daily headlines.

One of the concert's centerpieces, a segment during which the singer and her dancers brandished handguns and semi-automatic weapons, also raised eyebrows. Specifically, following the deadly shooting rampage
 at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater, critics lambasted Madonna for not taking the gunplay out of her set.

On Monday, the star posted a manifesto entitled, "The MDNA Tour -- In Madonna's Words," in which she explained the use of weapons on stage. "My show Is a journey
The journey of a soul from darkness to light 
It is part cinematic musical theatre. Part spectacle and sometimes intimate Performance art," she wrote in poetic verse.

"But above all its a journey From darkness to light From anger to love from chaos to order.

"It's true there is a lot of violence in the beginning of the show and sometimes the use of fake guns - but they are used as metaphors. I do not condone violence or the use of guns. Rather they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging. In my case its wanting to stop the lies and hypocrisy of the church, the intolerance of many narrow minded cultures and societies I have experienced throughout my life and in some cases the pain I have felt from having my heart broken.

"Ultimately as we follow through the journey of my story, the audience can see quite clearly what I see - That the enemy is within and the only way to survive Disappointment Disapproval Judgment Heartbreak Jealousy Envy And Hatred Is with Love - not with revenge - not with guns and not with violence.

"In spite of all the chaos and darkness and intolerance we seem to be encountering more and more in the world, We cannot allow our anger or bitterness to swallow us up. We come to understand that There is an innate and pure love inside us all and we have to find a way to tap into it.

"And we can't do it by being victims or placing the blame or pointing the finger at others. But by recognizing that the enemy is within And when we come to terms with it And accept it And struggle to change ourselves, Then we can change the world without hurting anyone and we can inspire others to do the same."

She continued by saying that in films, there are typically good guys and bad guys that help illustrate her point and in her case, she sometimes plays both roles. "I enjoy acting out this journey.
For none of us are perfect and we all have our own journey of growth to go on," she wrote. Confident that her fans can relate to this idea, Madonna said it was "very important" for her as an artist that her show not be taken out of context. "It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end," she wrote. "I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, Invigorated and will want to make the world a better place. And this of course was always my intention."

What do you think of Madonna's defense of her gun use on stage? Let us know in comments below.