Madonna’s divorce settled
Madonna has settled her divorce with ex-husband Guy Ritchie for at least 50 million pounds ($76 million), the singer’s spokeswoman said Monday.
Liz Rosenberg told The Associated Press the settlement was in the range of 50 million to 60 million pounds ($76 million to $92 million) as part of their divorce agreement, a figure she said included the value of the couple’s country home, Ashcombe House in western England.
Rosenberg said the couple’s west London pub – the Punchbowl – would also remain with Ritchie.
A representative for the British filmmaker declined comment.
The couple were reportedly worth some $525 million, the vast majority of which belonged to Madonna. Ritchie had an estimated $35 million fortune.
Their multimillion pound (dollar) settlement is about twice the size paid out in Britain’s latest high-profile celebrity divorce, that of former Beatle Paul McCartney and model Heather Mills.
“I’d assume it’s one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce settlement,” Rosenberg said.
The biggest contested divorce settlement in English history was the 48 million pounds (about $90 million at the time) insurance tycoon John Charman was ordered to pay his ex-wife in 2006.
But UK-based entertainment lawyer Ambi Sitham said it made sense for Madonna to divest herself of her British property.
“She’s got no interest in remaining here,” Sitham said. “She’s relocating and moving back to New York. It’s money she’s already paid out – what is she going to do, try to sell the houses in a flagging market?”
Rosenberg said that while the financial component of the settlement had been worked out, custodial arrangements for the couple’s children have yet to be finalized.
As for reports that the couple plan to spend Christmas together, Madonna’s rep told People that is not true.