On Friday, Madonna took to Facebook to post an apology to social media users and critics who slammed her for posting a series of Instagram photos comparing herself to some of the world's most influential people including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, Entertainment Tonight reports.

Prior to her Facebook apology, Madonna posted a slew of Instagram photos of revolutionaries and world leaders sporting the same face mask she wore for her "Rebel Heart" album cover, Us Weekly reports.

 This #rebelheart had a dream!

Une photo publiée par Madonna (@madonna) le Janv. 1, 2015 at 8:05 PST

This#rebelheart fought for freedom! A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:07am PST

Although she did not directly compare herself to the likes of Mandela and King, online social media users still blasted the "Like a Virgin" singer for suggesting that she is in the same category as some of the world's greatest revolutionaries.

"I love @madonna but this in addition to the other iconic humanitarian figures is in extraordinarily bad taste. I get attention seeking and shock value, but this sh*t ain't to be f**ked with. But it's whatever," Instagram user @crackizwack wrote.

Another Instagram user, @saajida_ahra, wrote, "Just disrespectful! Just because you are Madonna (someone that only stupid ppl look up too)Does not give you the right to be disrespectful toward a legacy."

Despite the backlash, Madonna has chosen not to delete the photos.

However, she did apologize and clarified the meaning behind the photos via Facebook, explaining that she did not mean to compare herself to the icons but rather showcase that they are a representation of rebel hearts as well.

Check out Madonna's full Facebook apology below.

Post by Madonna.

Even after her online apology, Madonna continues to post photos of additional icons sporting her face mask on Instagram.

Her most recent Instagram photos include a recreated image of Princess Diana and Basquiat.

 Yes Princess Diana was. #rebelheart! Anyone who fights for freedom is a #rebelheart

A photo posted by Madonna (@madonna) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:11am PST