Germans ponder legal action over Madonna's crucifixion stunt

German prosecutors are threatening to monitor Madonna's weekend concert in Duesseldorf to see if she repeats her mock crucifixion scene.

The crucifixion scene, which drew fire from religious leaders in Rome earlier this month, features the pop star wearing a crown of fake thorns and performing on a mirrored cross.

Johannes Mocken, a spokesman for prosecutors in Duesseldorf, said Tuesday that authorities would be watching her concert on Sunday to see if legal action is warranted.

The crucifixion scene could be construed as insulting religious beliefs, he said, but he admitted it might also be permitted under laws protecting artistic freedom.

Madonna, who will be 48 on Wednesday, has included the scene from the outset of her worldwide Confessions tour.

In Rome, Muslim, Jewish and Roman Catholic leaders were united in condemning her performance, which drew 70,000 fans.

"Being raised on a cross with a crown of thorns like a modern Christ is absurd," Rev. Manfredo Leone said after last Sunday's performance.

"Doing it in the cradle of Christianity comes close to blasphemy."

Religious leaders in the U.S. also criticized the stunt as disrespectful, but the singer recently won a battle to keep the crucifixion scene in the program Live to Tell, scheduled to air on U.S. network NBC in November.

Madonna, who was raised Catholic, has made provocative and sexually charged performances throughout her career.

Her representatives told wire services the scene is not disrespectful toward the church.

After the Duesseldorf concert, Madonna will be in Hanover, Germany,on Aug. 22 and then go on to Paris.