Madonna calls Obama 'black Muslim' in bizarre endorsement

By Matt Donnelly

Sept. 25, 2012 12 AM PT

Madonna’s “MDNA” tour is the show that keeps on giving. Giving the singer a platform to make statements that inspire controversy -- and now confusion -- that is.

Visiting Washington, D.C., on Monday night, the singer showed off a painted tattoo of President Obama’s name across her back, an accessory she’s donned for several performances, and coupled it with an endorsement for his reelection.

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“Y’all better vote for ... Obama, OK? For better or for worse, all right?” she implored concertgoers, who cheered loudly in reaction to her sentiment. And then she said this:

“We have a black Muslim in the White House.”

But we don’t. Obama isn’t Muslim, despite an oft-referenced poll that 17% of Americans believe he is. The blogosphere is divided with theories that she’s either being sarcastic or, quelle horreur, misinformed.

Madonna previously drew ire for her use of a swastika in a video montage played in the show, super-imposed on the forehead of French conservative party leader Marine Le Pen.

She defended its use, saying it was in the context of intolerance and “how much we judge people before knowing them.”

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