LATEST: Pop superstar MADONNA has furiously hit back at criticisms the crucifixion stunt on her Confessions tour is disrespectful to Christians, arguing her motives are honourable.
The singer sparked a religious backlash on the first night of her Confessions tour in Los Angeles (21MAY06) when she mounted a six metre (20 foot) high mirrored crucifix and sang LIVE TO TELL.
But the 47-year-old claims the iconic image was only employed to spur audience members to donate to her AIDS relief charities.
She tells the New York Daily News, "I don't think Jesus would be mad at me and the message I'm trying to send.
"Jesus taught that we should love thy neighbour."
Accompanying the stunt were images of third-world poverty, which were flashed across huge video screens at the venue, and a reminder that 12 million African children are now orphans because AIDS has killed their parents.
