'She's a control freak': Madonna's daughter Lourdes Leon on why she flew the coop as soon as she could

Lourdes Leon is Madonna's firstborn with her ex Carlos Leon and speaks highly about her mom's work ethic and commitment

PUBLISHED APR 23, 2023

Madonna, Lourdes Leon's mother, has been clear about her parenting philosophy, stating, 'I'm in charge! I'm the boss!' (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Arturo Homes/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Lourdes Leon, Madonna's daughter, recently spoke about her relationship with her "controlling" mother. Leon, Madonna's first child, claimed that she felt overwhelmed at times by her mother's relentless demand for control.

"My mom is such a control freak, and she has controlled me my whole life," Leon told Interview Magazine. "I needed to be completely independent from her as soon as I graduated high school."

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Lourdes Leon attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. — Lourdes Leon attends The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

‘She’s a woman of many talents’

Leon, who apparently paid her own college fees and then rented an apartment in Brooklyn, wanted financial independence at an early age. Despite her desire to be independent, she has grown to appreciate her mother, who was spotted French-kissing rapper and songwriter Jozzy at 65th the Grammy Awards, for her hard work and commitment. "She's probably the hardest worker I've ever seen," she said, adding, "and she's a woman of many talents."

Madonna and Lourdes Leon attend the Tom Ford fashion show during September 2022 New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Skylight on Vesey on September 14, 2022 in New York City. — Madonna and Lourdes Leon attend the Tom Ford fashion show during September 2022 New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Skylight on Vesey on September 14, 2022 in New York City (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows )

Madonna has also spoken about motherhood and the hardships of parenting as her children grow older. "I had this funny notion that when your children get older, they learn to take care of themselves and it gets easier," Madonna told People magazine in 2017. "But actually the older they get, the more challenging it gets, because now they're becoming adults, and they really need guidance."

'I'm the boss!’

Madonna has been unequivocal about her parenting style, saying, "I'm in charge! I'm the boss!" She also revealed that she takes on the role of the "bad cop" and is the one who says no. "I accept that role. I'm not a popular parent."

Madonna has six children in all, including Leon. Her other children are Rocco, David, Mercy, and twins Estere and Stella. Despite her image as a control freak, Madonna has always been inspiring to other women and ahead of her time - something Leon admires about her mother. "I didn't fully comprehend that until I realized the importance of empowerment and what it means to be a woman," Leon said.

Singer Madonna (L) and daughter Lourdes Leon attend the New York premiere of 'NINE' at the Ziegfeld Theatre on December 15, 2009 in New York City (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Weinstein Company)

Madonna is a diligent and loving mother who has always worked to empower her children. While she has a reputation for being a control freak, her children appear to enjoy the direction and support she offers and wouldn't have it any other way.