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Madonna Banned Her Daughter Lola from Dating until 18 — the Girl Grew Up into a Beautiful Lady

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Madonna is known for her bold persona. The pop icon revolutionized the music industry with provocative imagery and lyrics in the ’80s and ’90s. However, when it comes to parenting, she adopts a surprisingly strict approach, a stark contrast to her public image.

Madonna performs on stage in 1983 | Source: Getty Images

Madonna performs on stage in 1983 | Source: Getty Images

The woman who fought for sexual liberation and posed for risqué photoshoots later became a conservative mother. Being Madonna’s daughter wasn’t a typical childhood for Lourdes “Lola” Leon. From a young age, Lola was introduced to a set of rules that would shape her upbringing.

Madonna going on a drive with daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon on July 4, 1998 | Source: Getty Images

Madonna going on a drive with daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon on July 4, 1998 | Source: Getty Images

Early Life and Restrictions

At the tender age of 10, Lola’s mother gave her a clear directive. Dating was off-limits until she turned 18. This rule was just one of many that Madonna imposed on her daughter. She was the disciplinarian in the family, setting boundaries that many might find surprising.

Madonna with her daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon on September 15, 2003 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

Madonna with her daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon on September 15, 2003 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

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Television, which Madonna considered “trash,” was completely off-limits. She even had a unique approach to teaching Lola about cleanliness. If Lola left her clothes strewn around her room, Madonna would take them away. Whenever she failed to make her bed or tidy her room, Madonna would reduce her weekly allowance.

Madonna with her daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon on October 14, 2005 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Madonna with her daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon on October 14, 2005 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

As Lola grew older, the rules became more stringent. By 15, her mom had forbidden her from altering her appearance using hair dye, tattoos, or piercings. “I’m a strict mother,” she said. Madonna was clear about her stance, stating, “Lourdes can do any of those things once she’s 18. But until then…”

Madonna with her daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon on November 6, 2005 in London | Source: Getty Images

Madonna with her daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon on November 6, 2005 in London | Source: Getty Images

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Despite these restrictions, Lola managed to maintain a semblance of a normal teenage life. She often attended events with her mother, sporting braces like any other teenager. This relatable aspect of her life made her more accessible to the public.

Madonna and her daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon attend the premiere of "Nine" on December 15, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Madonna and her daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon attend the premiere of “Nine” on December 15, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

It showed that despite her famous lineage, she was still a regular teenager navigating the ups and downs of adolescence. In a 2019 interview, Madonna expressed regret over giving her older children phones at 13.

Madonna, Guy Ritchie, Rocco and Lola in London on January 25, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

Madonna, Guy Ritchie, Rocco and Lola in London on January 25, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

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As her family expanded, Madonna felt an increased need to protect her children instead of relaxing her rules. She shared that giving her children phones at such a young age significantly impacted their lives. It caused them to compare themselves with others, which she believed was detrimental to their self-growth.

Madonna with her children Lourdes "Lola" Leon, David Banda, and Rocco Ritchie on October 24, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Madonna with her children Lourdes “Lola” Leon, David Banda, and Rocco Ritchie on October 24, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Even with all these rules and restrictions, Lola blossomed into a beautiful, talented, and independent woman. She even found ways to assert her independence with subtle acts of rebellion against her mother’s rules.

Madonna's daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon on February 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Madonna’s daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon on February 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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Breaking the Rules

Lola’s first act of rebellion came during her high school years. She studied at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. Here, she met actor Timothée Chalamet and they formed a close bond.

Timothee Chalamet on January 21, 2018 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Timothee Chalamet on January 21, 2018 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Despite Madonna’s rule against dating until 18, Lola and Timothée were seen together in 2013, enjoying each other’s company. Years later, both Lola and Timothée acknowledged their relationship, with Lola referring to him as her “first boyfriend.”

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After turning 20, Lola was seen embracing a new romance. She was spotted in Manhattan, New York, cuddling up to a male friend during a day out with friends. The two seemed comfortable with each other, with Lola lovingly draping her arms around his neck as they sat on a park bench.

Lourdes "Lola" Leon seen with her boyfriend, from a video dated December 13, 2020 | Source: YouTube/@TheMegaAgency

Lourdes “Lola” Leon seen with her boyfriend, from a video dated December 13, 2020 | Source: YouTube/@TheMegaAgency

In 2017, she got into a relationship with Jonathan Puglia, a skateboarder from Ohio. They kept their relationship secret but it later came to light when they were seen getting cozy in Miami. They were seen kissing, and at one point, he was seen helping Lola through the doorway of a bagel store.

Lourdes "Lola" Leon seen with her boyfriend, from a video dated December 13, 2020 | Source: YouTube/@TheMegaAgency

Lourdes “Lola” Leon seen with her boyfriend, from a video dated December 13, 2020 | Source: YouTube/@TheMegaAgency

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Lola was said to be “madly in love” with the Ohio-born skateboarder. In 2021, it appeared that Lola and Jonathan were still together. They were seen attending the Milan Fashion Week in Italy, unable to keep their hands off each other. They were spotted sharing a passionate moment outside the catwalk venue.

Later, Jonathan was seen with his arm around Lola as they walked together in the city. By 2022, their relationship was still going strong. Lola’s journey into adulthood was also marked by her decision to get tattoos. By the age of 25, she had multiple tattoos.

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Madonna's daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon, from a post dated February 6, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

Madonna’s daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon, from a post dated February 6, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

Lourdes "Lola" Leon, from a post dated February 6, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

Lourdes “Lola” Leon, from a post dated February 6, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

This was a sharp contrast to Madonna, who got her first tattoo at 62. Lola’s self-expression was yet another step away from her mother’s rules. It was a sign that Lola was coming into her own. It underscored Lola’s growing individuality and independence.

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Lourdes "Lola" Leon, from a post dated February 6, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

Lourdes “Lola” Leon, from a post dated February 6, 2023 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

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Independence, Self-Expression, and Beliefs

Lola grew up in the limelight, always seen as an extension of her famous parent. That was until she stepped out of Madonna’s shadow. She made her modeling debut in 2020 with Stella McCartney. She also choreographed and co-directed the campaign for McCartney’s Adidas collaboration.

This was a welcome project during the challenging times of COVID-19. Her passion for dancing started in a ballet class when she was just three. Madonna, her mother, saw her potential and nurtured it. By age 24, she was larger than life, her face gracing billboards across America for Marc Jacobs.

Madonna's daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon performs Art Basel Miami on December 6, 2019 in Miami Beach, Florida | Source: Getty Images

Madonna’s daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon performs Art Basel Miami on December 6, 2019 in Miami Beach, Florida | Source: Getty Images

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At the same time, she was making waves in a viral campaign for McCartney. Soon, she became a sensation on Instagram. Lola sees herself as more than a model. She loves being hands-on with her campaigns, infusing them with her love for dance, her unique sense of style, and her aesthetic sensibilities.

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By 2021, she was still exploring her interests, unsure about acting, and while she could sing, music didn’t hold much appeal for her. In Lola’s vision, models are not just silent clothing racks but personalities and artists. Madonna’s advice resonates with her, “Proceed with caution and think about what you want to be known for.”

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Lola doesn’t want to be remembered just for her appearance. Independence has always been a part of Lola. Even as a child, she had her own views and didn’t always agree with her mother’s rules. “The list of things I wasn’t allowed to do is never-ending,” she recalled.

Madonna and Lourdes "Lola" Leon on February 27, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Madonna and Lourdes “Lola” Leon on February 27, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

She fondly recalls a time when she was allowed to watch TV and eat cookies at a babysitter’s house, a rare treat for her. Regarding religious belief, spirituality holds a special place in Lola’s heart. She believes in God and finds solace in prayer.

Lourdes "Lola" Leon on November 2, 2011 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Lourdes “Lola” Leon on November 2, 2011 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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She loves being in places of worship and feels that God belongs to everybody and is within every human. Lola also has a unique perspective on love and relationships. She doesn’t feel the need to get married, but she’s not opposed to the idea.

Lourdes "Lola" Leon on February 17, 2020 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Lourdes “Lola” Leon on February 17, 2020 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

She enjoys being in a relationship and taking care of her partner. She cherishes moments of togetherness, like cooking dinner for her boyfriend. The eldest daughter of Madonna is also open to having children. However, the thought of childbirth terrifies her.

Lourdes "Lola" Leon on March 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida | Source: Getty Images

Lourdes “Lola” Leon on March 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida | Source: Getty Images

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Asked about how she views social media, she gave a refreshingly honest view. She considers Instagram the “biggest lie of all time.” She’s concerned about the personas people create on Instagram, which often differ from who they are in person.

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Lola prides herself on being authentic, both online and offline. As for trends, the model has a strong opinion about TikTok. She admits to not liking TikTok and the culture surrounding it. She can’t quite explain why, suggesting that perhaps there’s something about it she doesn’t fully understand.

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Through her views on love, life, and social media, Lola continues to carve out her own path. She’s not afraid to voice her opinions and stand up for what she believes in.

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Lola and Madonna’s Mother-Daughter Relationship

Lola’s relationship with her mother, Madonna, is a fascinating mix of admiration, rebellion, and independence. Lola humorously shared how Madonna’s wardrobe is off-limits, “When she’s not in the house, those things are locked tight, because I take everything I feel that I’m entitled to.”

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This anecdote paints a vivid picture of their relationship dynamic. Lola reveals that stepping out of Madonna’s shadow was a daunting experience. She credits her mother’s decision to maintain her privacy as a key factor in navigating the pressures of fame.

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Madonna, on the other hand, is full of praise for Lola’s talents, admitting she’s “green with envy” because Lola excels at everything she does. However, Madonna also recognizes that Lola doesn’t share her drive. She attributes it to the sense of entitlement social media has created in Lola.

Madonna and Lourdes "Lola" Leon on February 27, 2011 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Madonna and Lourdes “Lola” Leon on February 27, 2011 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Despite their differences, Madonna’s love for Lola is evident. On Lola’s 27th birthday, Madonna celebrated with a heartfelt Instagram post, expressing her gratitude for Lola choosing her to be her mother. “What an Auspicious day!” she wrote.

Madonna and Lourdes "Lola" Leon on September 22, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Madonna and Lourdes “Lola” Leon on September 22, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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She praised Lola calling her beautiful and brave. Part of her caption read, “You saved me! Happy Birthday, Little Star! Love you for all [our] lives!! Madonna bridges the gap between personal affection and parental guidance.

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Her public display of love intertwines with her private endeavors to foster resilience and self-reliance in Lola. Her daughter has embraced these lessons, suggesting that her strict upbringing bore fruit.

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Reflecting on Madonna’s Strict Upbringing and Lola’s Transformation

Madonna’s strict parenting approach aimed to instill the value of hard work and independence in Lola. Lola paid for her college tuition and apartment, reflecting her financial independence. She admits, “We don’t get any handouts in my family.”

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Despite growing up with extreme privilege, Lola needed to be completely independent from her mother as soon as she graduated high school. Lola’s transformation from a teenager living under strict rules to a successful model, choreographer, and co-director is truly remarkable.

Lourdes "Lola" Leon, from a post dated March 28, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

Lourdes “Lola” Leon, from a post dated March 28, 2024 | Source: Instagram/lourdesleon

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She has managed to carve out her own path, separate from her mother’s fame. There is one piece of advice from Madonna that stuck with Lola. “It’s not about the money or your face or how hot you look. It’s about what you’re bringing into the world and what you’re going to leave behind,” Madonna told her.

Madonna and daughter Lourdes "Lola" Leon on February 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Madonna and daughter Lourdes “Lola” Leon on February 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Madonna’s strict upbringing has shaped Lola into the woman she is today – independent, talented, and grounded. Despite the strict rules and high expectations, Lola has managed to find her identity and make her mark on the world.

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