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Madonna “Devastated” After Deadly Stage Collapse in France

7/16/09, 2:49 pm EST

Photo: Mazur/WireImage
One man was killed and two others were seriously injured after the stage being constructed for Madonna’s concerts in Marseille, France collapsed. Four more were injured when the stage fell apart at 5:15 p.m. local time. “At this point we don’t know how it happened, but we are confident no one else is still under the rubble,” officer David Goddin told CNN. Roughly 27 fire trucks and 80 firemen descended on Marseille’s Stade Velodrome after the accident.

“My prayers go out to those who were injured and their families along with my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking news,” Madonna said in a statement. The singer was not in Marseilles during the accident, as she is scheduled to perform tonight, July 16th, at Udine, Italy’s Stadio Friuli.

CNN reports that a 53-year-old man was killed, while one British and one American man were reported as severely injured. “There were a lot of open fractures, of injuries, it was a messy sight,” a rescue worker told Agence-France Presse, CNN reports. Madonna was scheduled to perform Sunday, July 19th at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome as part of her Sticky & Sweet Tour. However, Marseille deputy mayor Jose Allegrini said that Madonna’s concert in the southern France city would be canceled.

Madonna launched the European stretch of her Sticky & Sweet tour on July 4th at London’s O2 Arena, paying tribute to Michael Jackson — who had sold out 50 concerts at the O2 — during the tour-opening show. The tour is one of the most successful of all time, with the U.S. string of dates alone grossing $91.5 million. The Material Girl was named both Billboard’s Top Moneymaker for 2008 and ForbesTop-Earning Act. At press time, it’s unclear if today’s tragedy will affect the remainder of Madonna’s European dates.

Related Stories:

Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour Rolls Into New York With Reworked Hits, Virtual Britney
Madonna Kicks Off North American Tour With Top Hats, Double Dutch


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Comments

Steve | 7/16/2009, 3:09 pm EST

Can she give some money to the family? Of course not….she’s a material Girl!

Greg Theron | 7/16/2009, 3:19 pm EST

Omg. This is tragic! Poor guy, this is terrible.

poppyseed | 7/16/2009, 3:21 pm EST

she is so gross! she is way to elderly to be wearing that. I feel like Im looking at my grandma, except my grandmas prettier!

vaneesa collins | 7/16/2009, 3:29 pm EST

this is sucks is madonna dead or not if she is not then ok fuckin

anthony | 7/16/2009, 3:30 pm EST

Madonna is a kind hearted individual who is deeply saddened by this tragic event. She will be there for those who have lost their family member and others affected by this tragedy.

Anthony David Corvino | 7/16/2009, 3:40 pm EST

For those who are commenting on Madonna and not this tragic event should take a good look in the mirror. Realize how sad this situation is and stay focused on helping the families affected by this awful event. Not your personal opinions on someone you personally do not know. God rest the victims soul. And pray for his family.

Anonymous | 7/16/2009, 3:49 pm EST

People who do dangerous jobs for a living, occasionally die. It’s a risk you take when you accept the job. It happens. Oh well.

The Hammer | 7/16/2009, 4:00 pm EST

She needs to stop trying to outdo MJ, she’s past her prime now, and still thinks she’s the world entertainer. She needs to stay home and take care of her kids. Old hag.

LAB | 7/16/2009, 4:33 pm EST

Anthony said it. There has been a life lost and some severely injured from this tragic accident. Take the time to think about them, their families,and the people involved with all of this from the crew putting the stage up to the people involved with all aspects of the tour. Bless all of them.

jason | 7/16/2009, 4:48 pm EST

Are some of you people really giving Madonna shit? This was a tragedy and Madonna is a good person regardless of her music. She does plenty of things for charity, has been an AIDS activist since the 80’s and always supports the outcast. Instead of complaining about the way she looks why don’t you get your own asses to the gym, stop reading articles about her and think about the families that lost the people the love.

Anthony David Corvino | 7/16/2009, 4:55 pm EST

Once again, stay focused on this tragedy. It is sad that we have people in this world that focus on everything but the facts of this accident. Pray to God for all those affected by this horrific accident. God Bless All.

Crybaby | 7/16/2009, 5:05 pm EST

You are idiots. All of you. It was tragic, it’s a terrible thing. Madonna also devestated by these terrible events. If Madonna pays tribute to MJ at her show how does that make her an old hag that needs to stay home. You are so stupid and ridiculous and do not think before you speak…think things through before you flap your jaws. Rejects!

Crybaby | 7/16/2009, 5:05 pm EST

You are idiots. All of you. It was tragic, it’s a terrible thing. Madonna also devestated by these terrible events. If Madonna pays tribute to MJ at her show how does that make her an old hag that needs to stay home. You are so stupid and ridiculous and do not think before you speak…think things through before you flap your jaws. Rejects!

tony | 7/16/2009, 5:14 pm EST

she’ll obviously be paying for the funeral and stuff if youve seen her documentaries u see how caring and protective she is with all her crew members that statement was definitely heartfelt
r.i.p poor guy

yyhu | 7/16/2009, 5:20 pm EST

That pic makes me gag.

Rabbitbunny | 7/16/2009, 5:35 pm EST

I agree with blogger Anthony. Madonna is a brilliant Lady Rebel Queen with a Kind Heart who’ll do anything to help those that are not as fortunate. Let’s hope Marseille’s mayor changes his mind before cancelling the lady’s performance so that her fans in Provence will see une concerte magnifique! They deserve it because Madonnna puts on the best rock & roll performance one will ever see in his or her lifetime. My prayers go out to all the victims and Madonna, you’ll be in my heart always. I love you,
Miss Ciccone!-Je t’aime!

Red | 7/16/2009, 5:44 pm EST

The real tragedy is Madonna looking like a haggard old cavewoman.

Madonna is gross | 7/16/2009, 6:25 pm EST

just look at the video
for “Take A Bow”, that was wanker material,
now look at her, can’t even begin to get it up

aaronyc | 7/16/2009, 6:39 pm EST

Whether you like Madonna and her music or not, there is no denying she has done more to affect good in this world than any of us ever will.

The fact that you would choose a tragic loss of life to criticize her for how she looks or dresses says much more about you as a human being than it does her.

Maybe if you spent less making pointless criticisms about people you don’t even know, and more time trying to be a helpful person, this world would be a nicer place.

heathen2002 | 7/16/2009, 6:49 pm EST

I used to jack it to her back in the day. Now look at her! Ewwww!

blue halo | 7/16/2009, 6:53 pm EST

Hey, all of you people calling her “haggard”, let me know how good you look when you turn 50, I bet you whiny retards are in your 20s and probably look like you could be Madonna’s parent. Haters will always hate, but winners will always win. Madge has been working her ass off to get to where she is and she gives back to the needy, what do you lame asses do to contribute to society?

Anthony David Corvino | 7/16/2009, 7:00 pm EST

Please have the decency and respect for these families affected by this tragic event. God listens and sees all evil. Keep judging others. You will be judged when you meet your maker. Good Luck…

M. | 7/16/2009, 7:45 pm EST

I’m truly speechless in response to this. All my hopes and prayers go to the deceased man, injured and relatives to them. I can’t even begin to imagine how Madonna feels about this, I mean its not at all her fault; but guys let’s leave her alone in relation to this. If you want to bash her her go to youtube, the issue here is the accident that occured. Light & Love to all affected by this event.

Anonymous | 7/16/2009, 8:25 pm EST

If Madonna didn’t record that (awful) record, Hard Candy, and decide to go out on tour, this would never have happened.

Screw Madge, and her purchased children.

jla9049 | 7/16/2009, 8:40 pm EST

to annonymous who said “screw madge…and HER CHILDREN.” WHY are you bashing her kids? Her KIDS!!! This article is about AN ACCIDENT, it is not about her music, her family or her activities outside of music…get a grip!!! For what its worth, she her corporate entities and biz partners (Livenation) are obviously heavily insured. The famlily will be compensated ($wise) for their loss before any lawsuit would come about.

Old Hag | 7/16/2009, 8:43 pm EST

Please tell me she ended up underneath it

LAB 2 | 7/16/2009, 9:14 pm EST

The way you judge people is how you will be judged. Get over all this stuff that has nothing to do about what happened. This is a tragedy. It has nothing to do about who is going to pay for what or how much money this one is going to get. You can not put a price tag on a human life, but you can show some compassion and say a prayer for all that are involved. I happen to have a close relative involved with this, and all I can say to all you people that have nothing good to say and want to bash Madonna, is I will pray for you.

Anonymous | 7/16/2009, 9:17 pm EST

oh look its the undead

blair | 7/16/2009, 9:36 pm EST

What disgusting, cowardly comments. No wonder you’re not willing to share your names. A man is dead through a workplace accident. Too bad your default is jealousy for someone unrelated to the actual accident. I wonder who speaks so ill of you? Disgusting comments.

Rico | 7/16/2009, 10:18 pm EST

When I heard someone died at a Madonna concert I was hoping it was her

Anthony David Corvino | 7/16/2009, 10:22 pm EST

To All. As we see there are still immature ignorant people blogging about Madonna. The fact is we have lost a human being to a tragic accident. Let’s continue to focus on prayer. Not these losers who have negative things to say. Theu should only have given back financially to the needy as Madonna has. The haters all together can not even donate 50.00 each probably but have big mouths about her who has donated millions.stay focused people. Or I can recommend a good Dr. For psych meds for your hatred towards an icon and a true person as she is.

Omar | 7/16/2009, 11:21 pm EST

I don’t get why people that hate madonna so much are always reading about her and wasting their times posting comments and insulting her. It just goes to show how ignorant and stupid they are or they are just jealous of her. A human being just lost his life and all you losers want to do is talk crap about madonna. Get a life!! and get rid of all that hate inside of you. Everything you give comes back to you! I feel sorry for some of you.

Replikhant | 7/16/2009, 11:57 pm EST

I love this Madonna. Long life for her!

Joey | 7/17/2009, 1:33 am EST

Wow, sorry for the death. I guess that`s what happens though when they got to build and tear down these stages night after night.

I tell you, a lot of people on this board are calling her Grandma and stuff. Please, in that pic she looks damn good for 73. If you didn`t know who she was, most people would assume she was in her 20`s or 30`s.

What ticks me off about this Madonna though is she`s a con. Her whole act is a con that tries to hide it with pomp and flash. It`s three card monte, redirect the attention with outrageous costumes and gay dancers to deflect from the truth, which is her music is utter boring cr*p. When the hell is this stuff going to end?

It`s the same sh*t over and over, Britney, Justin, Beyonce, the rap acts, all dancing and jiving, flash and pomp and the music S*CKS! It`s background noise for this ridiculous karaoke cr*p. If people were blind, these idiots would never sell a single ticket.

Ben | 7/17/2009, 6:12 am EST

I think most of you need to check your spelling and grammar, it’s atrocious!

I can’t believe you’re talking about tossing off over Madonna when she was younger on such a sombre issue as tragic death, how insensitive can you get? Talk about stooping low and to all those comparing her to her younger self… She is 51 next month, lets see how good you look half naked when you’re all 51!!!

My thoughts are with the families, freinds and co-workers at this time as well as Madonna who i know will feel personally responsible for this and it will play on her mind for years to come.

God bless you all

Defn | 7/17/2009, 6:18 am EST

At the end of the day, she is still an amazing performer with a huge legacy under her belt and yes, she looks old now but she’s in her 50’s man, she’s bound to look old but hey, good for her because Madonna does it first, gets riddiculed then the whole world is doing it in 5 years time so watch this space because she has paved the way for beautiful women in their 50’s to show off a bit. Who says stop being tarty when you get old? Madonna defies yet again and now she’s paving the way for older women, good for you madonna, my hat goes off to you every time!

RIP to the tragic men that died, best wishes to the families.

Mary | 7/17/2009, 8:50 am EST

I’m really sorry for this guy that died in tragedy and I’m really sorry for some of you guys for carring some much hate in your hearts. I don’t know what Madonna did to you?

Laurie | 7/17/2009, 9:37 am EST

A second person has now died because of this tragic accident. Let’s convert all of the energy that we are using to talk about how much we dislike someone, how old they are, how they rip people off, ect ect and pray about these families of the victims and all the people involved with this. 2 people have died, more are injured,everyone of them has families and friends affected by this. They should not have to read this garbage. This should be a place where you can give prayers, thoughts, and remembrances. God Bless all of you and may you find it in your heart to reach out to the people who need support.

Yeah | 7/17/2009, 11:05 am EST

You tell ‘em Laurie! you fat catholic cow

LJ James | 7/20/2009, 8:41 pm EST

I worked the Modonna Tour in Los Angeles California in November 08 and a similar stage failure occurred, I was there I sure hope it was not the same stage that failed at Dodger Stadium, I am a crew member myself and my proyers go out to those families,maybr that part of the stage shpuld be omitted?

LJ James | 7/20/2009, 8:41 pm EST

I worked the Modonna Tour in Los Angeles California in November 08 and a similar stage failure occurred, I was there I sure hope it was not the same stage that failed at Dodger Stadium, I am a crew member myself and my prayers go out to those families,maybe that part of the stage should be omitted?

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