Madonna hits back at 'ageist' and 'sexist' comments about her Met Ball outfit

On Monday night at the Met Gala, Madonna did what Madonna does best: created controversy by flashing her bottom in a Givenchy lace ensemble.

Now, the 57-year-old has responded to those who immediately took to social media sayingthat a woman her age should "put it away," by claiming that her outfit was actually a political statement about how society wants older women to be invisible.

Within minutes of Madonna stepping on the red carpet Twitter was flooded with comments criticisingthe singerfor showing so much skin.

Piers Morgan tweeted "put it away," and another user wrote "You need people in your life who will tell you the truth, otherwise you"ll end up like Madonna."

But ever the professional when it comes to owning her controversial statements, Madonna has fought back, saying thereaction has been "proof that we still live in an ageist and sexist society."

"We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world," she wrote on Instagram."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."

She goes on to say that society is still afraid of older women embracing their bodies - and refusing to be invisible.

"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 age-ist 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."

As such, Madonna believes thatRiccardo Tisci"s dress has the ability advance the feminist cause."By being fearless and by taking the road less traveled by.That"s how we change history," she continued.

"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."

Madonna isn"t the only star taking to their own social media accounts to counter criticism of their red carpet looks.Sarah Jessica Parker was so irritated by one blogger"s suggestion she didn"t stick to the tech white tie dress code with her tracksuit and tails look, she decided to take him on.Albeit in a slightly tamerway than Madonna.

???I???m a stickler for the theme and pay close attention to what it means...[e]very year with great consideration, research and conviction," the actress explained underneath his instagram post criticisingthe star.

"The understanding of man and machine, how they intersect, when and why is what we considered.Perhaps you weren???t aware of the technology used in the details and embellishments of the design.

"Or perhaps you simple didn???t like that I wore which is completely fine but you can???t accuse me of not paying close attention and adhering to the theme.With respect and warmest regards, SJ.???

Will the A-lister backlash against criticalred carpet watchers, mean an end to the worst dressed lists?Unlikely.The concept was invented way in 1964 by designer Richard Blackwell asan alternative to publicistEleanor Lambert"sInternationalBest Dressed Listand a way to promote his own label.

The late designerwould invite reporters to a breakfast at his Hollywood home on the second Tuesday in January, and wouldreveal the 10 celebrities who made it onto his list with remarks such as ???she looks like a masculine Bride of Frankenstein???; ???she looks like a gypsy abandoned by a caravan??? and ???an over-the-hill Cruella DeVille.???

Wonder what Madonna would make of that?