Madonna Faces Backlash Over Pompeii Birthday Party

Madonna plans to celebrate her 66th birthday at the historic Teatro Grande amphitheater in Pompeii, sparking considerable backlash from Italian heritage experts and cultural activists. The 2,200-year-old site has been rented for €30,000, a fee critics argue is too low and disrespectful to the cultural significance of Pompeii. Michele Campisi of the Italia Nostra heritage association and Rosanna Carrieri of Mi Riconosci expressed concerns over using such a historic venue for a private event, suggesting alternative locations like beaches. Despite the controversy, the mayor of Pompeii and Madonna's Italian fan club have shown support for the event. Approximately 500 guests, including celebrities like Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry, are expected to attend. The event arrangements have been made by a U.S.-based events company, though neither Madonna nor the venue has officially confirmed the plans.