Madonna’s Celebrations tour paid tribute to artists lost to AIDS, but a recent performance sparked controversy as Luther Vandross, who passed away in 2005 from a stroke, was included in the tribute.
Vandross’s estate clarified he was never diagnosed with AIDS or HIV.
Madonna, upon learning of the misinformation, promptly removed Vandross’s image from the tribute.
The addition was brought to light by an Instagram user, Kevin James Smith, who successfully included his late friend Tommy in the tribute.
Vandross, though not publicly out, was rumored to be gay, and his death in 2005 was not attributed to AIDS.
