It took just a day for the civilised veneer to break down.

They had announced their breakup through their US publicist in a matter-of-fact statement devoid of emotion.
Madonna and Guy Ritchie were to split up after seven and a half years… difficult time… need for privacy… final settlement to be decided.

"Friends" said those hoping for a high profile battle along the lines of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills would be disappointed. Ritchie wouldn't be taking a penny.

Then Madonna took the stage in Boston just a few hours later, introducing 'Miles Away' the song she wrote for Ritchie: This song is for the emotionally retarded. Maybe you know some people who fall into that category. I know I do."

In the words of one of JB Handelsman's cartoons for the New Yorker: "Just another of our many disagreements. He wants a no-fault divorce, whereas I would prefer to have the
bastard crucified."