Madonna Blasts Radio 1 Over 'Ageism' Ban

'Rebel Heart' #1 In U.K.?

Fresh off her HOWARD STERN interview, with her new album "Rebel Heart" battling "Empire" for #1 on next week's chart, MADONNA took aim at RADIO 1's alleged ban after her new single, "Living For Love," stalled at #26 on the U.K. singles chart, according to a report on BBC.COM.

When BRITAIN's leading station didn't add the single to the playlist, it led to accusations of ageism from the 56-year-old's fans.

Speaking to THE SUN, MADONNA said she was "shocked" by her exclusion. "I was like, 'Wait a second. Shouldn't it be to do with whether you wrote a good, catchy pop song?"

BBC RADIO 1 head of music GEORGE ERGATOUDIS insisted MADONNA's age had nothing to do with the exclusion, claiming to "choose songs on musical merit and their relevance to our young audience on a case-by-case basis. An artist's age is never a factor."

Speaking at a RADIO ACADEMY event last year, ERGATOUDIS said the station has "moved on" from her music. "The BBC TRUST have asked us to go after a young audience. We've got to concentrate on [people aged] 15-30. We have to bring our average age down. That's something we're very conscious of. The vast majority of people who like MADONNA, who like her music now, are over 30."

"Really? Is that how it's broken down?," responded MADGE.  "I'm so stupid. I didn't know it was anything to do with my age. I just do my work. We've made so many advances in other areas -- civil rights, gay rights -- but ageism is still an area that's taboo and not talked about and dealt with."

MADONNA's single was being played on some of RADIO 1's specialty shows.nANNIE MAC, who took over the influential "Evening Session" program earlier this week, has played the song. "It was produced by DIPLO, who is one of the biggest artists on my show. If I'm excited by a song, then I think it's going to be all right to play it."

"Rebel Heart" is still on course to reach #1 in the U.K. this weekend, her 12th BRITISH chart-topper.

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