Singer Madonna is facing severe online criticism after she posted photoshopped images of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela to Instagram.

[READ: In Remembrance: Photos & Quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr….]

Madonna was reportedly promoting her upcoming album and decided that using the two iconic civil rights figures for promotion of her new album would be a good idea…. NOT!

Details below…

Madonna posted the two images online with the following captions:

‘This #Rebel Heart had a dream.” – Madonna

“The #rebelheart fought for freedom” – Madonna

The altered photos led to Madonna being roasted on her Instagram and Facebook pages was called everything from insensitive to racist.

Many even demanded that she remove the images from her page!

The legendary singer soon returned with an ‘apology’ and explanation of why she defaced the images, stating:

She also included more images like, Princess Diana, Bob Marley and of course her new ‘Rebel Heart’ album cover.

At the end of? the day, Madonna’s ‘stunt’ created a stir that got people talking about her. While it may not have sold any albums, she definitely got the promo she was seeking.? SMH…

What do you think of Madonna using Dr. King and Mandela to sell albums?

Smart move? or Dumb Decision?