Madonna divorce update

By Ruth Doherty on Thursday 16 October 2008

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Madonna and Guy Ritchie

As Madonna and Guy Ritchie confirm they're set to divorce, the media has gone into fevered speculation over the causes of the split – even suggesting that Madge is, in fact, involved with baseball star Alex Rodriguez.

The Queen of Pop and Rodriguez have been linked since July, when the Amercian baseball star was reportedly spotted making late-night visits to her New York apartment.

And now, according to US Weekly, the pair are 'more involved than ever', said a source, adding, 'Alex has really missed spending time with Madonna. However he understands the position Madonna's in.'

Rodriguez was famously divorced by his wife Cynthia when rumours of a relationship with Madonna hit the headlines. Madge has vehemently denied a relationship with the sportsman, but Life & Style magazine reported that Madonna, who is a member of the Kabbalah faith, invited him to spend the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur with her and her three children.

A source told the magazine: 'On 8 October they went to a special Kabbalah service at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. They all left around the same time.'

They reportedly returned to the hotel the next day for seven hours of spiritual readings.

'It’s a very sacred day, so one can only assume she’s feeling very serious about Alex,' added the source.

In contrast, Guy Ritchie was said to have grown increasingly frustrated with Madonna's faith, which may have contributed to the ever-increasing distance between them. A source told The Sun: 'Guy’s initial support and interest in Kabbalah turned to annoyance and hatred.

'He refuses to answer the phone to the team of mediators and lawyers Madonna insists on bringing into their divorce proceedings.

'Guy doesn’t believe Kabbalah is a religion on a par with Christianity. He thinks a lot of it is hokum — which has infuriated Madonna, who believes it is a solution for many of the world’s problems.'

Although the paper reports that Guy, worth £30 million, doesn't 'want a penny' of Madonna's £300 million, the Material Girl could potentially be facing one of the biggest divorce battles in history, as there was no pre-nuptial agreement in place.

The singer is understood to have already offered Ritchie their country estate, Ashcombe House, which is worth £12 million, plus a lump sum of as little as £15 million.

But legal experts estimate that he could fight for up to £75 million, comprising half the estimated £80 million they have earned between them over their ten-year relationship, a further regular maintenance payout and properties.

Madonna has already got hard-nosed lawyer Fiona Shackleton on board, who represented Prince Charles and Sir Paul McCartney in their divorce battles.

It is believed that the pair grew apart over a number of issues, including Madonna's wish to move back to New York and to adopt another child, neither of which Ritchie wanted to do.

The biggest issue now, surely, will be how they work out custody and living arrangements of their children, Rocco, adopted David Banda, and Lourdes – Madonna's daughter with dancer Carlos Leon.

Meanwhile, it was back to business for Madonna last night, who put on her professional face and continued her Sticky & Sweet tour with a performance in Boston.

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Thursday 16 October 2008

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Hi, I do like what Madonna did because she needs a younger boy to refresh herself, and also I do like her - I wish her long life and best of luck!
Comment by frank evans on October 19 14:34