Madonna has removed the late Luther Vandross from the AIDS tribute segment of her ongoing “Celebration” tour after the singer’s estate objected, stating Vandross did not have AIDS or HIV.
During the tour’s montage honoring those lost to AIDS, which features images of stars like Freddie Mercury and Keith Haring, Madonna had recently included a photo of Vandross. However, his estate issued a statement clarifying Vandross passed away in 2005 due to complications from a stroke, not AIDS-related causes.
Part of the montage included Luther Vandross and Freddie Mercury. Credit: Page Six
“Luther Vandross passed away in 2005 due to complications from a stroke suffered two years earlier,” a rep of the estate said in a statement to Page Six. “While we appreciate Madonna’s recognition of those lives lost to AIDS, Luther was NEVER diagnosed with AIDS or the HIV Virus. We’re not sure where she or her production team received false medical information claiming otherwise.”
Vandross’ image has been removed from the AIDS tribute.
Madonna in concert. Credit: AP
The change comes as Vandross is experiencing a cultural resurgence in 2023, with reissues of his albums and a well-received Sundance documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” exploring the R&B icon’s artistry and rise to fame in the 1980s.
While honoring HIV/AIDS victims, incorrectly including Vandross prompted his estate to seek the removal to respect the proper cause of his death over 15 years ago. Madonna has obliged by cutting his photo from the tribute during her retrospective concert tour.
