The 57-year-old pop star rocked the nearly-naked dress trend on the Metropolitan Museum's red carpet, but was faced with a backlash from people implying she was too old to be wearing sucha revealing outfit.
Madonna took to Instagram to have her say against the haters, declaring her Givenchy gown a 'political statement' in a powerful open letter.
We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world," she wrote. "When it comes to women's rights we are still in the dark ages.
"My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement. The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an ageist and sexist society.
"I have never thought in a limited way and I'm not going to start. We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks by being fearless and by taking the road less traveled by. That's how we change history.
"If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice. I'm not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me.
"As Nina Simone once said, the definition of freedom is being fearless. I remain unapologetic and a rebel in this life and all the others. Join my fight for gender equality!"