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French Political Leader Threatens to Sue Madonna Over Swastika Imagery

Right-winger Marine Le Pen unhappy with Madonna's live show montage

June 5, 2012 1:35 PM ET
Madonna
Madonna performs on stage during her 'MDNA' tour in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Far right French political leader Marine Le Pen is threatening to sue Madonna over the singer's use of Le Pen's face and swastika imagery on her 'MDNA' tour, according to the Guardian. The image was first seen during Madonna's tour opening performance in Tel Aviv, which featured a video montage that showed the faces of well-known figures including Chinese party leader Hu Jintao, Pope Benedict XVI and Sarah Palin. At one point, the video shows an image of Le Pen's eyes and forehead superimposed with a swastika, followed by a Hitler-like image.

In response, Le Pen, leader of the Front National, said, "If she does that in France, we'll be waiting for her," while a party lawyer said they were exploring possible legal action. The politician criticized Madonna's music, saying, "It's understandable when aging singers who need publicity go to such extremes. Her songs don't work anymore."

Madonna's 'MDNA' tour is set for two dates in France this summer, in Paris on July 14th – Bastille Day – and in Nice on August 21st.

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