Madonna defends being "crucified" on stage.

Pop singer Madonna on Thursday defended staging a mock crucifixion during her record-breaking "Confessions" world tour, saying it was not "anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous" -- but a plea for people to help one another.

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Several religious groups, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, have complained that the scene was insulting and NBC television is trying to decide whether to include it in a special to air in November.