Cape Malfunction Knocks Down Madonna At Brit Awards

Veteran entertainer Madonna is the talk of the internet for her performance at this year's Brit Awards — but probably not for the reasons she'd hope — after a mishap during her rendition of Rebel Heart single Living For Love that saw her violently knocked to the ground mid-song.

In footage that is speedily making its way to every video streaming service on the web, viewers can see Madonna atop a flight of stairs, resplendent in matador-esque garb replete with oversize cape — and it's that particular accessory that has kick-started this morning's buzz machine. Although not entirely clear in the footage, Madonna's cape — an Armani creation — was supposed to come off easily, as it can be seen being pulled as Madonna moves further away, but it wasn't to be — the cape stayed put and Madge took a seriously painful-looking spill down (well, over) a flight of stairs.

Check out a sample of the captures below, with a higher-quality look at the incident below the Vines.

The unfailingly professional Madonna, however, soon arose to her feet to complete the song, however shakily, while at least one of her back-up dancers is probably feeling terrible right now. The pop vet has since commented on the fall on social media, explaining that her cape was indeed tied too tight, but clearly wasn't going to let the whole thing bring her down.

Still, there's a lesson in all of this; as the impossibly brilliant Edna Mode always maintained: "No capes!"