On Monday we learned from Madonna‘s longtime publicist Liz Rosenberg that the final terms of Madonna and Guy Ritchie‘s divorce settlement have been determined and that Ritchie‘s pay-out from Madge would be in the range of $76 to $92 million. Today, it turns out, that that information either was erroneously reported to the media on Rosenberg‘s part or the information is completely false. Madonna and Guy have issued a joint statement denying the terms of the settlement as reported by Madonna‘s publicist and refuse to acknowledge the verity of any reports of any settlement that may have been decided upon by them. Um, yeah:
Madonna and Guy Ritchie are slamming recent stories about their divorce settlement. The joint statement – issued in London – came two days after Madonna’s U.S. rep gave the Associated Press details of the supposed deal. Liz Rosenberg said that Madonna, 50, was set to hand over cash and property worth between $76 million and $92 million, calling it “one of the largest [divorce] payouts ever.” But now the couple calls that information “misleading and inaccurate.” The statement reads:
“We have tried to maintain a dignified silence regarding the details of our divorce for the last few months whilst accepting the obvious media interest. A misleading and inaccurate statement, specifically in relation to the sums of money involved, was wrongly issued to AP this week. The financial details of the settlement will remain private, save to say that both of us are happy with our agreement. Our primary concern, like any co-parents, is the care and well being of our children.”
Wait … I’m confused. Madonna‘s publicist herself was the one who reportedly made the money range claims and even was quoted as calling the settlement “one of the largest [divorce] payouts ever”. It’s not like the couple are refuting claims that were made by any outside party or media outlet. This information came directly from Liz Rosenberg herself … and to the Associated Press. I wonder why this joint settlement makes no reference to Rosenberg‘s part in this “misleading and inaccurate statement” or, better yet, why Maddy doesn’t just order Rosenberg to rescind her statement. In any event, we can no longer be sure that the money payout is in the $76-92 million range … but I suspect it’s still really up there. To be honest, I’m looking forward to the finalization of this entire situation so we can be over and done with it already.
[Photo credit: Big! Pictures; Source]
Maybe Rozenberg never made the statement and it was a false report.
My reading is that Liz Rosenberg said it, and Madge and Guy (more likely Guy) did not want the number out there. I don’t doubt Liz or the AP at all.
@Brenda — agreed
This wouldn’t be happening if Guy had stuck to his word and not taken a dime of Madonna’s money. He’s already rich, what does he need it for??? It’s not like he was a Hollywood wife who requires the money for upkeep (plastic surgery, dental work, mani’s, pedi’s, waxing, jewellery, hair, etc.) in order to get another man. I mean, look at him. Well, yeah, maybe he could use some upkeep money!!!
I think Madonna and Guy are doing some serious back-pedalling.
There’s NO WAY that Liz Rosenberg gave any info without Madonna’s approval. Madonna would have have known every detail of the statement before it was delivered to the AP. Whether Guy knew is another story because Liz is not his publicist.
I’ll bet he got pissed that a sum was made public and then somehow convinced Madonna to issue a joint statement with him that would bring the dollar amount into question. And that’s exactly what they’ve now accomplished.
Unless we hear of Rosenberg getting fired in the next few days or so, I don’t believe for a second that this story is anything but an “Oops, we said too much too soon” kind of story.