Madonna: I was wrong about Guy's divorce settlement

MADONNA was forced into a humiliating climbdown today after admitting her own publicist misled the public over the size of Guy Ritchie's multi-million-pound divorce settlement.

The couple released a joint statement today which corrected the claim - made by Madonna's spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg - that Ritchie had received between £50 million and £60 million.

The claim had infuriated Ritchie, 40, who was upset at the suggestion he had earned so much money from the eight-year marriage. Details of his pay-off were supposed to stay private under a joint confidentiality agreement.

The statement issued today said: "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 [news agency] 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."

A source close to Madonna, 50, said Rosenberg had slightly exaggerated Ritchie's pay-off. The source said: "What we put out in the Standard on Monday was very close to the mark. Guy is getting money and he isn't getting nothing. It is good they have put out a statement so we can move on."