In a revelation that sheds new light on a decade-old piece of celebrity gossip, the Queen of Pop, Madonna, seems to have finally answered a pointed remark about her tardiness, one famously made by former friend, Gwyneth Paltrow. The “Material Girl” reveals during a podcast interview with Jay Shetty her “lateness” was often a direct result of her personal spiritual commitment, offering a dramatic twist to a seemingly superficial complaint.
The initial jab dates back to a 2010 interview with British Vogue. At the time, actress and Goop founder Paltrow, who had shared a personal trainer with Madonna, expressed relief when their professional relationship ended. “Yeah, it’s good that [Tracy Anderson] doesn’t train Madonna any more. It was too much,” she told the outlet. The reason? A perceived disregard for others’ schedules: “She keeps people waiting—it takes up your whole day.”
Now, years later, Madonna—who is a parent to six children and has maintained a decades-long career—has offered her side of the story. During the podcast interview the star discussed her commitment to her spiritual life, specifically her practice of Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism.
In a moment of vulnerability, the 67-year-old artist described the unseen pressures of her life, suggesting that the public—and even those close to her—often fail to grasp the context of her practice. Speaking about the scheduling conflicts that would arise, the singer explained the reality behind her professional life, stating, “My manager’s like, why can’t we have shows on this night? Or why are you late? [It’s] because I’m because I’m praying. [They were] like…what?\”
She went on to confirm that she has repeatedly faced “a lot of s— for being late,” due to scheduling performances and commitments around her spiritual devotion.
Madonna detailed the exhausting reality of balancing multiple high-level responsibilities, challenging the superficial judgment that often comes with fame. “Honestly, it’s really hard to balance being a parent, having work, having a spiritual life. You’re you’re constantly juggling,” she shared. “You know, there’s not a lot of time to rest.”
Her reflection pushed back against Paltrow’s critique, revealing that a practice of prayer was often the cause of her infamous delays. She concluded with an emphatic explanation that could serve as a direct response to past criticism: “And if people don’t recognize that, then they’re just going to look at you in a very one percent, like superficial way and go you’re late. It’s like but you don’t understand what I was doing before I became late.”
This revelation not only contextualizes her notorious reputation for tardiness but also offers a glimpse into the personal sacrifices and priorities that have fueled her reign as the Queen of Pop.
Next: Rock Legend, 75, Recalls Kicking Madonna Out of His Camp 40 Years Ago at Live Aid
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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