When it comes to heavy drinking or doing drugs, Madonna doesn't clown around.

After coming under fire with accusations that she must have been either high or drunk during her bizarre Tears of a Clown show at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne on March 10, the Queen of Pop is hitting back at what she calls "sexist" allegations.

Rumors that Madge had been under the influence began flying after the iconic pop star took to the stage (over four hours late) dressed as a clown for the cabaret-comedy performance. Never one to back down from any iteration of trash talk, the artist has popped off on Instagram, saying, "Too bad people don't know the art of acting and playing a character. I could never do any of my shows high or drunk."

In addition, Madonna has lashed out at the "underlying misogyny" she says is fueling all the accusations, claiming, "Underlying all of this is sexism and [misogyny] which proves that not only do we not get equal pay but we are still treated like heretics if we step out of line and think outside the box! Sexism is alive and kicking but I am #livingforlove"

The Tears of a Clown performance, which received mixed reviews and was called a "work in progress" by Madonna herself, was a special event for the members of her Melbourne fan club. It was the artist's first performance in the Australian city since 1993 and served as a precursor to her official Rebel Heart Tour stop in the city on March 12.

See Photos from Madonna's Triumphant 'Rebel Heart Tour':

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