Huge divorce payout by Madonna

LONDON, Dec 16 — Pop queen Madonna has settled with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie for at least £50 million (RM270 million), says a spokeswoman for the singer yesterday.

Liz Rosenberg said Madonna has given Guy between £50-60 million as part of their divorce agreement. The figure apparently includes the value of the couple's country home Ashcombe in west England.

Rosenberg added that while the financial part of the settlement has been worked out, custody of the couple's children Rocco, 8, and David, 3, had yet to be finalised.

She said: "I'd assume it's one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce settlement."

The A-list couple, who wed at Skibo Castle in Scotland in December 2000, were granted their divorce at the High Court in London last month.

A sworn statement released by the court showed the pop star petitioned for divorce on the grounds of the film director's unreasonable behaviour.

A representative for Ritchie declined to comment. — The Sun