Madonna hits back at 'sexist' claims she was drunk on stage

Madonna has hit back at claims she was drunk on stage.

The singer was accused of swigging tequila from a concert goer's hip flask during an alleged "meltdown" while performing as part of her Rebel Hearts Tour at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.

But she has since dismissed the reports and took to Instagram to share a lengthy message of support from a fan who said the singer is “savagely devoted to her show” and would be unable to perform if "intoxicated”.

Captioning the post, Madonna thanked her fans and slammed the claims as sexist.

"Thanks for supporting me," she posted. "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.

"And yes 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."

While on tour in Australia, Madonna's ex-husband Guy Ritchie and son Rocco have been in court in London to deal with legal proceedings in their custody battle with the singer.

Madonna broke down in tears at a concert on Thursday as she dedicated a song to her 15-year-old son.

Dressed as a clown, she sang her hit Intervention, which includes the lyrics: “I know that love will keep us together / I know the road looks lonely / And either way my baby, we'll never be the same."

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