Madonna has sparked controversy after using the N-word in a caption for a recent Instagram post.
The 55-year-old popstar posted a photo of son Rocco Ritchie boxing, alongside the caption: "No one messes with Dirty Soap! Mama said knock you out! #disni**a."
According TMZ, Madonna quickly deleted the photo after receiving complaints from a number of users.
She then re-posted the image with a new caption that reads: "Ok let me start this again. #get off of my d*ck haters!"
The singer caused controversy via her Instagram earlier this month, when she posted a photo of her 13-year-old son holding a bottle of whiskey.
She later slammed critics of the photo, insisting that it was merely a joke.
Last year, she faced criticism after telling someone they were an "enslaver" for asking her to stop texting during a screening of 12 Years a Slave.
Madonna has since issued a formal statement in response to the most recent incident.
She wrote on Facebook: "I am sorry if I offended anyone with my use of the N word on Instagram.
"It was not meant as a racial slur.. I am not a racist. There's no way to defend the use of the word.
"It was all about intention.. It was used as a term of endearment toward my son who is white.
"I appreciate that it's a provocative word and I apologize if it gave people the wrong impression. Forgive me."