Guy Ritchie soon will see a cash advance of between $76 million and $92 million, Madonna’s spokeswoman says. The singer and her husband of nearly eight years are still ironing out the details of their divorce settlement, but it’s certain that neither will need a payday loan anytime soon.
Madonna and Ritchie confirmed that they were splitting up in October. The divorce was made final in November. Madonna blamed the breakup on Ritchie’s “unreasonable behavior.” Now the famous pop diva and actress will pay “one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce settlement,” said her spokeswoman.
In the beginning
Madonna and Ritchie met at a party hosted by Sting in 1998. They married in December of 2000 at a castle in Scotland. Madonna wore a dress designed by Paul McCarney’s daughter, Stella McCartney. Ritchie was clad in a kilt.
The two and their children, Ritchie’s son Rocco and Madonna’s daughter Lourdes, shared residences in England and New York City. They adopted son David, from Malawi, together in 2005.
Rumor mill starts turning
After the couple went separately to some high profile events, rumors began to fly. Tabloids claimed the couple was splitting up, but they denied it. They seemed to imply that the rumor was as ridiculous as one of them needing a payday loan.
Madonna also denied allegations that she was having an affair with Yankee player Alex Rodriguez. After the couple confirmed they were filing for divorce, Madonna still maintained she was not romantically involved with Rodriguez.
Expensive breaks
Paul McCarney’s divorce from Heather Mills earlier this year caught a storm of media attention. The former Beatle ended up shelling out $50 million. Madonna’s $76 million news will no doubt be front-page news for some time.
The spokeswoman’s assertion that Madonna’s settlement will be one of the biggest ever is debatable. Michael Jordan had to shell out $150 million to ex wife Juanita in their divorce last year. But he isn’t the first to pay that sum. Neil Diamond gave the same amount to Marcia Murphey in 1994. And Steven Spielberg handed over $100 million to Amy Irving in 1989.
However, The Times reports that Guy Ritchie might be getting the biggest cash advance ever seen by a man in a divorce settlement.
Final countdown
The sum Madonna has agreed to pay includes their home in western England and the couple’s pub in London. Child custody arrangements are still being worked out.
It’s going to be quite the cash advance for Ritchie, especially considering the majority of the couple’s shared wealth belongs to Madonna. Various sources estimate that Ritchie, on his own, is worth about $30 million and will never need a payday loan.
Money isn’t everything!
Equal opportunity. The men have been paying for
years, now it’s the woman’s turn.
Equal opportunity. The men have been paying for years now it’s the woman’s turn.