Barry King/WireImageSunday marked the 30th anniversary of the release of one of Madonna‘s signature songs, “Like a Prayer.” The Queen of Pop took to Instagram on Monday to mark the occasion, with a reminder of just how much trouble the song’s video caused three decades ago.
Posting a clip of the song’s now-iconic video, Madonna wrote, “30 years ago today I released ‘Like a Prayer’ and made a video that caused so much controversy because I kissed a black saint and danced in front of burning crosses! I also made a commercial with PEPSI that was banned because my video was seen as inappropriate. ?????? Happy Birthday to Me and Controversy!”
She added, “Meant to post this yesterday but was blocked! what a shocker!”
In case you don’t remember, in the video for “Like a Prayer,” Madonna sees white supremacists kill a girl and a black man is arrested for the murder. Running to a church, she falls asleep in a pew and dreams of the statue of a black saint, who comes to life. He whispers in her ear, kisses Madonna on the forehead, and as he walks out of the church, she reveals stigmata on her palms.
We then see Madonna dancing in front of burning crosses, and joining a choir in the church. Next, she’s at the police station, telling an officer what happened, as the wrongly-accused man waits in a cell. As an officer goes to free him, a curtain comes down, and everyone in the video takes a bow onstage.
The video was so controversial that it was condemned by the Vatican — Pope John Paul II himself encouraged people to boycott Madonna. Pepsi, who paid Madonna $5 million for the use of the song, quickly pulled the ad, but let her keep the money.
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