The show-business marriage that began in a Scottish castle came to an end in a drab London courtroom yesterday as Madonna and Guy Ritchie were granted a preliminary decree of divorce.
The case of “Ciccone M.L. v Ritchie G.S.” was one of 17 decrees granted by Judge Caroline Reid in a hearing that lasted just a few minutes.
Papers signed by another judge and released by the court said Madonna petitioned for divorce on the basis of Ritchie's “unreasonable behavior,” but did not elaborate. The judge ruled that he did not need to apply family law in the case – meaning that he accepted an agreement reached by the couple over their assets and children.
THOMPSON BACK TO ACTING
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson is going back to the small screen after his foray into Republican presidential politics in the last year.
Thompson, best known on TV for his role as a gruff district attorney on NBC's “Law & Order,” dropped out of the GOP primaries in January after his presidential campaign failed to gain strong support among conservatives.
He campaigned for nominee John McCain, and had recently tried to gain support to be in charge of the Republican National Committee.
But his former finance chairman, B.C. “Scooter” Clippard, said Thompson told him Wednesday that he was returning to acting and dropping his RNC bid.
ASHLEE, PETE HAVE BABY BOY
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz are the proud parents of a baby boy, and they are celebrating with some Bronx cheer.
Their representative says the pop and rock star couple have named their son Bronx Mowgli. The baby, born Thursday night, weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
Bronx is the first child for Simpson-Wentz, best known for the hit “Pieces of Me,” and Wentz, bassist for the platinum rock band Fall Out Boy. They were married earlier this year.
Their representative said in a statement: “Ashlee, Pete and baby Bronx are all healthy and happy, and thank everyone for their well wishes!”
– COMPILED FROM NEWS SERVICE REPORTS
