Madonna to Australian fans: "I am really and truly sorry"
(CBS News) Madonna has issued an apology to her fans in Australia for bypassing the country once again on her world tour.
It's been 20 years since Madge booked a tour Down Under and that won't change with her current "MDNA" outing, which wraps at the end of the year. Madonna said she decided to cap her seven-month tour at the end of 2012 so she "could spend time with my children who need me."
"So, I just want to say to all of my Australian fans that I am really and truly sorry to have disappointed you, and that's something that I don't' feel very good about," Madonna explained in recorded audio message, posted on her website. "I know the last time I was on tour, I missed Australia as well, and I can promise you in my heart of hearts that it was my intention to come again, but like the last time, my children are my first priority."
The 54-year-old singer said she has to weigh two different scales: her job as a mother and her job as an entertainer.
"Because my children are older, I can't take them on the road with me everywhere," she said. "I have to spend more time away from them and at the end of the year I really feel that I would be an irresponsible parent if I didn't stop my tour and spend time with them."
"I know a lot of you are angry with me, upset with me, disappointed," Madonna continued before promising to put on "the greatest show on Earth" when she does get around to visiting Australia, which she hopes is "very soon."
The Australia leg was expected to be tacked on at the beginning of 2013. Madonna's tour will wrap in Argentina on Dec. 22.
Madonna's "MDNA" tour has been making headlines all over the world this summer. She caused a stir after throwing her support behind punk rock group Pussy Riot and for taking aim at France's National Front political party.
Listen to Madonna's full apology below:
