Madonna has defended the use in her live show of that previously reported crucifix, and says it's all part of an appeal to get the audience to donate to AIDS charities, as opposed to being for the purposes of entertainment and/or stirring up reactions from the church/tabloids. As Madonna sings 'Live To Tell' whilst suspended from the cross, images of poverty in the developing world are shown on video screens, whilst a counter ticks, representing the millions of children orphaned by the disease.
Madonna told the New York Daily News: "I don't think Jesus would be mad at me and the message I'm trying to send. Jesus taught that we should love thy neighbour.