Madonna doesn’t make headlines too often these days, but when she does, it’s highly ridiculous. The diva has come under fire for posting a “controversial” picture of her son Rocco Ritchie on Instagram. The picture in question shows the 13-year-old proudly holding up a bottle of gin next to two of his friends, with Madonna adding the slightly ill-advised caption: “The party has just begun! Bring it! 2014” No one is shown actually drinking the booze, but minor facts like this have never been known to quell online outrage.

Madonna, LAX
Madonna was shamed for her parenting skills by an army of keyboard warriors.

Unsurprisingly, the metaphorical pitchforks and cries of “Bad parenting!” were quick to follow, but it was only a mild online storm, before Madge stepped in to clear the air. “No one was drinking we were just having fun! Calm down and get a sense of humor," the devoted mother added on another, more innocent snap. This one had no alcohol in sight (at least in the frame). "Don't start the year off with judgement,” she ended the message.

Madge and her four children – Lourdes, David, Mercy and Rocco – are currently vacationing with friends at the Swiss ski resort Gstaat. The pop icon has a lot of reasons to celebrate this year and she can do it in style, having been named as Forbes’ highest-paid musician and highest earning celebrity overall for 2013. Madonna topped the list with $125 million earned in 2013 alone.


The picture in question - no one was actually drinking, says Madge.