Madonna - Nude Shots Made Madonna Toughen-Up

MADONNA is glad the infamous naked photos of her were published early in her career - because the scandal made her determined to succeed.

The Material Girl's raunchy reputation skyrocketed when a series of sexy shots - in which she appeared totally naked - surfaced in Playboy and Penthouse magazines in 1985.

Industry experts feared the scandal would end the singer's career - but she turned it to her advantage and became one of the most famous stars in the world.

And Madonna admits she was so outraged at criticism of the photos, she developed a steely attitude that helped her survive in the music industry.

She tells Rolling Stone magazine, "That was the first time I was aware of saying 'F**k you' with my attitude. 'You're trying to put me down because of this?' I (wasn't) going to let public opinion dictate my own feelings about myself. I (wasn't) going to apologise for anything I've done."