Madonna calls Ritchie a 'gold digger'

Reuters

BATTLE BEGINS: Guy Ritchie has been branded a 'gold digger' by Madonna, a claim the director denies.

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Madonna has branded Guy Ritchie a "gold-digger" despite his claims he wants "not one penny" of her reported £300 million fortune.

Friends of Madonna, 50, have dismissed Guy’s assertions he isn’t interested in her fortune, saying he is now only interested in getting her cash.

According to Britain’s The Sun newspaper, the 4 Minutes singer told a pal: "I'm totally devastated that Guy’s turned out to be such a gold-digger. I thought we’d been on a spiritual journey together for the past 10 years - but obviously I was wrong. He’s just after my money.

"I've worked my butt off for the last 30 years to get what I have, and now this gold-digger wants to take it from me. He keeps upping his demands - he just wants more, and more, and more from me. It’s unbelievable."

Reports have also surfaced claiming the former couple have a prenuptial agreement which denies the British director the right to the money Madonna has amassed during their near eight-year marriage.

The other major issue in the pair’s divorce is custody of the three children they raise together - Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight and adopted David Banda, three.

RocknRolla director Guy, 40, has insisted on having full access to the children as part of the couple’s divorce settlement.

But despite reports last week claiming Madonna spent extended periods of time away from her kids, the pop superstar’s friends claim she is the "rock of the family".

The source added: "Guy has never contributed towards the running of the family and his son’s schooling. Contrary to the image being projected, Madonna’s been the rock of the family. She’s the one who has the kids with her at all times.

"They are home-schooled and they go on the road with her."

Guy’s spokespeople insist he is not a gold-digger and say he could claim much more of Madonna’s fortune than he is asking for.

The pair’s lawyers are still negotiating the terms of the divorce deal.