UPDATE: A longstanding feud between Madonna and the residents of Evansville, Indiana, has resurfaced, reigniting local pride and controversy over the filming of the iconic movie, A League of Their Own. The feud began on December 8, 1991, when Madonna’s disparaging comments about the city sparked an impromptu protest at Roberts Stadium.
Residents gathered to create a human billboard spelling out “Madonna” with a red circle and line crossed through it, sending a clear message of discontent. This protest, viewed by a helicopter flying overhead, put Evansville on the national map, transforming it from a small town into a symbol of defiance against one of the world’s biggest pop stars.
Madonna’s comments came during a TV Guide interview with Kurt Loder, where she compared her stay in Evansville to being “stranded” in Prague. This remark was perceived as an insult, prompting local radio station WSTO-96 FM and its program director, Barry Witherspoon, to organize the protest that drew around 300 locals. Witherspoon aimed to capitalize on the situation, stating, “Madonna was a big player on our station… I just looked at it as a promotional opportunity.”
The filming of A League of Their Own in the summer of 1991 brought significant attention to Evansville, with an estimated 33,000 locals serving as extras and injecting about $10 million into the local economy. The film’s iconic scenes shot at Bosse Field showcased the city, yet Madonna’s comments threatened to tarnish that goodwill.
Despite the uproar, many residents had positive interactions with the star during filming. Local baseball coach Gary Redman recalled Madonna’s kindness towards his children, and even shared a humorous story about her embarrassing bathroom emergency while jogging. These personal connections stood in contrast to the public fallout, highlighting a divide in local sentiment.
The media frenzy escalated after the protest, with coverage from shows like Entertainment Tonight and Arsenio Hall, where Madonna’s comments were met with laughter and disbelief. “What are you gonna do? They only had one drag bar there!” she quipped, further inflaming local emotions.
Despite the tensions, many Evansville residents have reflected on the filming experience fondly, recognizing it as a pivotal moment for their city. Former Courier & Press journalist Gordon Engelhardt noted that the situation was overblown, saying, “We don’t bear grudges here.”
As Evansville continues to celebrate its Hollywood connection, the debate over Madonna’s remarks and the protest remains a talking point nearly three decades later. Residents still express pride in their city’s resilience and cultural impact, with Bill Bussing, owner of the Evansville Otters, stating, “I don’t think you can exaggerate the impact this movie still has on the community.”
The next chapter in this ongoing saga will be closely watched as discussions arise about future film projects in the area. Will Evansville welcome Madonna back if she chooses to return? The community believes it would, but only time will tell.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Evansville and Madonna’s past collide once again.