Evansville Reacts to Madonna’s Controversial Comments, Sparks Feud
UPDATE: The small city of Evansville, Indiana, is at the center of a brewing controversy after pop icon Madonna made derogatory remarks about the town. During a TV Guide interview on November 23, 1991, Madonna compared Evansville to Prague, igniting local outrage.
On December 8, 1991, approximately 300 residents gathered at Roberts Stadium to form a human billboard protesting Madonna’s comments. Dressed in T-shirts with a caricature of the singer, they spelled out “Madonna” while displaying a red circle with a line through it to symbolize their disapproval. A helicopter hovered above to capture the scene, turning the local protest into a national media event.
The tension stems from Madonna’s time filming A League of Their Own, directed by Penny Marshall. The movie, which features an all-star cast including Geena Davis and Tom Hanks, shot several scenes in Evansville, a city proud of its rich history and sports culture. The film brought an estimated $10 million to the local economy, with around 33,000 extras participating in the production.
Residents initially embraced the film crew. However, Madonna’s comments during her interview struck a nerve. She stated, “For the past three months – it might as well have been three years – I was stranded in Evansville.” Her remarks were interpreted as a slight against the community, leading to widespread backlash and a call for protest.
Local radio station WSTO-96 FM quickly mobilized support for the demonstration. Program director Barry Witherspoon noted, “We thought this was a promotional opportunity… Madonna was a big player on our station.” The protest received attention on shows like Entertainment Tonight and The Arsenio Hall Show, where Madonna dismissed the uproar, saying, “They thought I threw shade on them.”
Despite the controversy, many locals had positive interactions with Madonna during her stay. She was often seen enjoying the local cuisine and mingling with residents, including young baseball players who participated in practice sessions with the cast. Gary Redman, a local baseball coach, recalled, “She absolutely loves kids… she was just as nice as could be.”
The fallout from Madonna’s comments continues to spark discussions within the city. Some residents remain critical, expressing sentiments that Madonna’s lack of gratitude for their hospitality was disappointing. In contrast, others emphasize the event as a unique experience that showcased their town on a national stage.
As Evansville reflects on this chapter in its history, the lingering question remains: how will this affect future interactions with Hollywood? Many locals are hopeful that if an opportunity arises, Madonna and the cast of A League of Their Own will be welcomed back with open arms.
The situation is developing, and further reactions are expected as the community processes the impact of this unexpected feud. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.
