The rumor mill is back in overdrive over the state of pop singer Madonna’s marriage to Brit film director Guy Ritchie. The couple was under the microscope this summer when Madonna was dragged into the middle of Yankees third baseman Alex Rogriguez’s divorce from his wife, Cynthia. At the time, A-Rod claimed they were “good friends,” while his wife said there was more going on. During that scandal, Madonna trotted out good little hubby Guy in an attempt to quash speculation, throwing him an elaborate birthday party, while he reciprocated with an even bigger bash for her. But it wasn’t long before he was MIA again, and Madge was off on tour. In fact, the couple hasn’t been photographed together since the premiere of his movie, “RocknRolla,” in September. Now, several news outlets are saying that a divorce is imminent.
Here’s The Sun’s “World Exclusive,” announcing that the couple has prepared a statement on their split to be released to the press:
MADONNA and GUY RITCHIE are to divorce, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
A statement confirming their marriage is over has been prepared and is set to be released imminently.
The couple are going public with their split because they “can’t bear to live with the pretence any longer”.
They have had a string of shouting matches about the amount of time each devotes to their careers, and over Madonna’s desire to adopt another child.
These arguments smashed through their attempts at reconciliation “like a sledgehammer”.
A highly-placed source told The Sun: “It’s very sad. They were a great couple and brilliant parents. They just couldn’t live together any more.”
Pals say Madge, 50, initially wanted to wait until next year to announce their separation — after her Sticky and Sweet global tour is finished.
But now she and Brit movie director Guy, 40, want a divorce finalised before Christmas — which would have seen the eighth anniversary of their fairytale wedding in a Scottish castle.
The Sun even has an essay written by journalist Gordon Smart, who says he witnessed the split coming firsthand:
She is a full-time diva and it would take a superhero to keep her happy.
I have spent a lot of time with Guy over the past few months and I’ve really grown to like him. He is great company, talented and a brilliant father.
The marriage falling apart is incredibly sad but I think he will be far happier now he can be his own man.
I always got the feeling he was walking on eggshells, afraid to upset “the missus”.
On the opening night of her UK Tour in Cardiff I watched as he wished her luck.
It was obvious they were both under massive pressure. She was completely focused on her show and he was tense around her. It wasn’t comfortable viewing.
Guy had his own pressure — the launch of his make-or-break movie RocknRolla. But he seemed to be fitting his life around her.
When it was his big night for the premiere, she looked like it was the last place on earth she wanted to be.
TMZ is also preparing to break a story on the couple. So far, the story hasn’t been published, only this teaser:
A-Rod and Madonna — he got divorced. Is it time for the other shoe to drop? On the next TMZ!
Photos of A-Rod lunching with Madonna’s best friend this past weekend got the tabloids all in a frenzy- along with Ritchie’s conspicuous absence this weekend from the premiere of Madonna’s new film, “Filth and Wisdom.” But rumors of a split have been dogging Madonna and Guy all year – will this be the time the tabs get it right?
Header photo of Guy Ritchie and Madonna on the red carpet of his “RocknRolla” premiere on Sept. 1 is the last public photo of the couple. Photo credit: Fame. Front page photo is from the Cannes Film Festival, July 2008. Photo credit: Fame.
Wonder why Christmas is a target date? Don’t most people try to wait until after the holidays?
In any event, it’s a long time coming… I almost feel sorry for the guy and I DEFINITELY feel sorry for the kids – being stuck alone, without a buffer, with Madonna as a mother 😥
RAN, re the date, I reckon Guy put his foot down and said ‘enough’ and refused to let her call the shots anymore. She’s so self-absorbed that it’s easy to believe she would have put professional considerations before her own family.
Ritchie was the only thing standing between my really disliking Madonna and thinking she might be ok (since he comes across in everything I’ve seen and read about him as a really decent, down to earth guy.) Without Guy, very little left to like. Sad for the kids.
Me too Geronimo…. I liked her music when she was relevant, but outside of the 90’s she’s become worthless in my opinion. Can’t stand her music, her nastiness or her egomaniacal (sp?) behavior.
I’ve also really started thinking about the kids through all of this… I just can’t imagine being with her through this fall out. I hope he takes precautions to protect all of them – especially if Lourdes’ dad doesn’t step in.
What is different is there’s been lots and lots of ‘Guy the filmaker at work’ stories in the goss media for the last few weeks. There really does seem to be something afoot this time.
I always thought couples filed for divorce before Christmas for two reasons – tax purposes and not liking their partner’s extended family.
Re: The split. Team Ritchie. You know he’s going to be going out with some hot young woman in 3…2…1…
This was even on the scrolling news on CNN this morning! I wish they’d either just do it or tell everyone to shut the hell up!
This rumor always shows up when they have movies or CDs/tours to promote. I wonder why….
I think Guy will look back and be shocked he lived with that horrible person for 8 years.
It’s all Trudie and Sting’s fault. (kidding) Can you imagine the guilt they’ll feel for the kids?
Well, Madonna’s typical transformation is starting and she’s about to enslave her next victim (A-Rod). Good luck Alex.
As for Guy, I hope he remains single for awhile to rid himself of all her negative energy.
No surprise here. BTW, I have a new blog running.
The reason he wasn’t at her premiere is that he’s pissed that she can’t leave his professional territory alone, and had to “direct” a movie herself. It speaks to a toxic competitiveness on her part in the relationship. On the other hand he always seemed like a dense dolt (but then that’s her type… cf Sean Penn).
So I don’t think his non-attendance is proof. He’s working on a movie and wants hers to quickly fade into oblivion (as it surely will… a short that Madonna directed, puh-leeze).
The two hosers deserve each other. They should stick together.
Oh, shit, it’s for reals. “Madonna’s spokeswoman said Wednesday that the singer and her husband, Guy Ritchie, will divorce after 7½ years together.”
I’m still 100% convinced that the abuse rumours are true, so while I’m no Madonna fan, as a woman I hope she gets out.
Shame, too, bcs Lock Stock was so awesome…stupid Guy, ruining one of my favourite movies for me… 8)
Just kick that hag to the curb, already!
Alright it’s been confirmed. Done deal. Let’s see who she grabs next! This could be exciting… 😛
“Increasingly under strain”!!
With that addled, arrogant, nasty has-been?
I’m shocked he’s still alive and still has all his limbs and appendages!
🙁 The only one that I feel for is those kids.
Madonna can go to hell for all I care.
Guy, if you’re reading this my cell phone number is…