Madonna courts controversy in gun-toting stilettos

She will no doubt argue she was only making a fashion statement. But instead Madonna appears to have shot herself in the foot. 

Her new Chanel shoes, complete with pistol-shaped heels, caused a sensation when she wore them to a movie premiere.

But it was not the sort of attention the 50-year-old singer was hoping for.

Anti-gun campaigners have denounced Madonna as 'irresponsible' and 'utterly senseless' for choosing such a design at a time when violent crime involving guns is soaring.

Dee Edwards, co-founder of the charity Mothers Against Murder and Aggression said:

'I am utterly disgusted by this.

It is not fashion, it is not style, it is an advert glorifying guns and making them seem acceptable.

Kids are dying every day from gun and knife crime. I would like to see her walk into a mortuary or a hospital wearing those shoes to see a young child whose life has been ripped from him by guns.

Lily Allen was blasted after wearing a gun pendant

I would like to see her claim it as a fashion statement then.'

Crimestoppers also criticised Madonna, saying she was setting back the battle against gun and knife crime.

We take a strong view on celebrities glamorising violence,' said a spokesman for the charity, which works closely with the police.

These celebrities are put on a pedestal and are idolised by many of their young fans so it is time for them to take more responsibility for their actions.

'Wearing gun-themed attire is foolish and insensitive and is sending out entirely the wrong message.'

Madonna showed off the shoes, so far seen only on the catwalk, at the New York premiere of the film Filth & Wisdom, with which she makes her directorial debut.

Those shown off at the Chanel fashion shows recently, featured actual gun casings, painted silver, black, and gold. But those for the label's boutiques will be made of a perspex acrylic material.

The shoe is to be sold worldwide next year at a so far undisclosed price tag.
Madonna is not alone in choosing controversial accessories.

Last month Lily Allen was criticised for wearing a pendant in the shape of an AK47 rifle.

Just weeks beforehand, the 22-year-old singer met with London Mayor Boris Johnson to discuss her view on the gun crime epidemic in the capital.

She had suggested ways to challenge the notion among young people that carrying weapons was streetwise or cool. 

dailymail.co.uk