Pop singer Madonna has defended the images of Martin Luther King Junior, Nelson Mandela and others that have been posted on her social media outlets.

    The “bondage” images were submitted by fans who placed ribbons on the faces in the style of the artwork on Madonna’s new album “Rebel Heart.”

    But some commentators on Facebook said the images were in bad taste.

    “I’m sorry. I’m not comparing myself to anyone,” Madonna wrote on Facebook,

    “I’m admiring and acknowledging their ‘Rebel Hearts.’ This is neither a crime or an insult or racist*!”

    In her message posted on Saturday, Madonna continued, “If they put me in the same category as these other people... Thank you.”

    Following her statement, a doctored image of Diana, Princess of Wales, was posted on her social media outlets.

    John Lennon, Bob Marley and Marilyn Monroe are among others to have had their images co-opted* on the website.

    The latest controversy follows the criticism Madonna faced late last month for appearing topless in a magazine photo shoot.(SD-Agencies)