The estate of Luther Vandross had Madonna take down his photo from an AIDS tribute.

Madonna's team has been asked by the estate of Luther Vandross to remove a photo of the late singer from her current tour's AIDS tribute. It came as a surprise to the estate when they saw Vandross' photo appear during Madonna's performance of her 1986 song "Live to Tell" which pays tribute to friends and famous figures who have passed away from AIDS. Other figures included in the tribute are Freddie Mercury, Sylvester, and Keith Haring. However, the inclusion of Vandross' photo was met with confusion and concern from his estate.

It is important to note that Vandross passed away in 2005 from a heart attack and was never diagnosed with AIDS or the HIV virus. A representative for his estate shared this information with Page Six, expressing their appreciation for Madonna's recognition of lives lost to AIDS but also clarifying that Vandross' death was not related to the disease. The estate also questioned where Madonna's team had received the inaccurate information and requested for the photo to be removed.

The mishap sparked conversation and controversy on social media, with some questioning the motive behind including Vandross' photo in the tribute. Author and editor of Encyclopedia Madonnica, Matthew Rettenmund, released a statement on Instagram addressing the situation and shedding light on the rumors surrounding Vandross' weight loss in the 1980s. While Vandross was gay and did experience weight loss, his death was not attributed to AIDS-related complications.

This is not the first time Vandross' health has been falsely linked to AIDS. In 1985, he sued a British music magazine for publishing a report claiming his 85-pound weight loss was due to the disease. The estate's request for Madonna to remove the photo further highlights the sensitivity and importance of accurate information when it comes to discussing AIDS and its impact on the music industry.

As the conversation continues, some have questioned Madonna's intention behind including Vandross' photo in the tribute. One social media user even went as far as calling it "racist." Others have questioned the decision to include him in the first place, given that his cause of death was unrelated to AIDS.

In the midst of this controversy, it is important to recognize the significance of honoring and remembering those who have passed away from AIDS, while also ensuring that the information shared is accurate and respectful of their legacies. As we celebrate Black music during Grammy week, it is crucial to have these important conversations and promote understanding and compassion towards those affected by AIDS.

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