Madonna is not letting the conversation surrounding her appearance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night detract from the two musicians she was there to celebrate.

Some viewers had a strong response to her look when she took to the stage to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith for their performance of “Unholy” at the awards show, taking to social media to comment on the Queen of Pop's visage. And on Tuesday night, the singer addressed those comments directly on her Instagram account, underscoring that those focused on her face need to reevaluate their priorities. Alongside a montage of her with various musicians from that night, including Smith and Cardi B, she wrote, “It was an honor for me to introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith at the Grammys. I wanted to give the last award which was album of the year, but I thought it was more important that I present the first trans-woman performing at the Grammys— a History making moment!! And on top of that she won a Grammy!!”

However, Madonna's delight over being included in that historic moment was overshadowed as, “Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim—Many people chose to only talk about close-up photos of me taken with a long lens camera by a press photographer that would distort anyone’s face!!” She went on to explain, “Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in. A world that refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45 And feels the need to punish her If she continues to be strong willed, hard-working and adventurous.”

The music legend explained, “I have never apologized for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start. I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come. In the words of Beyonce ‘You won’t break my soul.'” She concluded, “I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior—pushing boundaries—Standing up to the patriarchy—and Most of all enjoying my life. Bow down bitches!”

While Madonna rumors surrounding her appearance and relationship to plastic surgery have long surrounded her, the Grammy Award winner has never publicly addressed that speculation. And in 2008, she was quoted as having said, “I am certainly not against plastic surgery. However, I am absolutely against having to discuss it.”