Madonna and Barack Obama: Sarcastic or misinformed?

Sept. 26: Madonna’s “MDNA” tour is the show that keeps on giving the singer a platform to make statements that inspire controversy — and now confusion.

Visiting Washington, DC, on Monday night, the singer showed off a painted tattoo of President Obama’s name across her back, an accessory she’s donned for several performances, and coupled it with an endorsement for his re-election.

“Y’all better vote for ... Obama, OK? For better or for worse, all right?” she implored concertgoers, who cheered loudly in reaction to her sentiment. And then she said this: “We have a black Muslim in the White House.”

But we don’t. Obama isn’t Muslim, despite an oft-referenced poll that 17 per cent of Americans believe he is. The blogosphere is divided with theories that she’s either being sarcastic or, quelle horreur, misinformed.

Madonna's spokeswoman did not return calls for comment yesterday. Since Obama’s first presidential run in 2007, fringe groups and a scattering of opponents have promoted rumours that he is Muslim, similar to talk that he is not a natural-born US citizen.

Madonna has been outspoken in her support of the President.

According to media reports, at a New York City concert earlier this month she ripped off her shirt to reveal the word OBAMA inked across her lower back.

Madonna previously drew ire for her use of a swastika in a video montage played in the show, super-imposed on the forehead of French conservative party leader Marine Le Pen.

She defended its use, saying it was in the context of intolerance and “how much we judge people before knowing them”.

Madonna also has angered conservative Russians with her support for Pussy Riot. Three members of the punk band were sentenced to two years in prison for a protest inside Moscow’s main cathedral against Vladimir Putin and his cosy relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Madonna spoke out in support of the group during her concert in St. Petersburg and two days earlier in Moscow.

After the verdict was issued, Madonna called on “all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment”.