Madonna has taken to social media to distance herself from her reported feud with Lady Gaga. The internet brouhaha flared up when the lyrics of a leaked Madonna track were said to take a swipe at her pop rival.

Last week, Madonna released a six-song compilation from her forthcoming "Rebel Heart" album in response to a hack attack, which led to her unfinished demos hitting the Internet on Nov14.

Another 14 songs were leaked shortly afterwards, reports Hollywood.com, and among them is a track called "Two Steps Behind," which is rumored to be a sly jab at Lady Gaga. It features lyrics such as: "You're a copycat, get back/I'm always on your mind." Fans have speculated the star is taking aim at Gaga over her track "Born This Way," which prompted comparisons with Madonna's 1989 hit "Express Yourself."

Madonna went on Instagram to clear the air, explaining, "There are those who want to shut me up but they cannot! We still live in a world that discriminates against women. Their (sic) are people that are so hateful. They want to create feuds between strong women that do not exist! I do not wish ill will towards any other female artist and I never have!

"The world is big enough for all of us! I will fight for my rights as an artist, a human and a woman till the end of my days! Because I am a #rebelheart and I walk in the footsteps of giants and I will not apologise or defend my unpublished, unfinished, stolen work.

"If you don't like who I am or what I have to say then why are you reading this? #unapologeticb**ch."

Madonna's manager Guy Oseary took a softer approach as he used Twitter to quell the rumors. In referring to the leaked "Two Steps Behind," he noted, "That song is NOT about Gaga or anyone in particular. The song is an unfinished demo she had no intention of finishing or releasing along with many others. She has NO ill will towards Gaga. It's nonsense. She was listening to Gaga's Tony Bennett duet album last week and appreciating it."

"Rebel Heart" is slated for a March 2015 release.