The daily gossip: Instagram censors Madonna but not for the reason you'd expect, Kate Beckinsale receives an unwanted rabbit, and more

Instagram censors Madonna but not for the reason you'd expect, Kate Beckinsale receives an unwanted rabbit, and more

Madonna.
(Image credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

1. Instagram censors Madonna after she posts coronavirus conspiracy theory

It's been awhile since Madonna was involved in a coronavirus scandal, but the drought came to an end on Monday, when the singer was censored by Instagram for posting a COVID-19 conspiracy theory. Madonna had shared a viral video (the same one President Trump also promoted, before it was likewise censored by Twitter), writing: "The truth will set us all Free!" The video, however, falsely claims that authorities are hiding a coronavirus cure and features Dr. Stella Immanuel, who's famously alleged that many medical problems are caused by "demon sperm." Earlier in the pandemic, Madonna was criticized for gushing about breathing in "the COVID-19 air," and controversially calling the disease "the great equalizer" while sitting in a tub in her multi-million-dollar mansion.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.