Madonna in MalawiGuy Ritchie refused to accompany wife Madonna on her current trip to Malawi because he believes it’s both too soon to return to the country after last year’s adoption controversy and that it’s tasteless to film her taking son David to meet his biological father, Yohane Banda.

A source close to the pair told the Daily Mail that Guy had been reluctant when she first mentioned the trip and then claimed he had prior work commitments: “Madonna was furious, telling him to reschedule [the meetings], saying she and the family came first. But Guy would not budge.”

“Guy thought the trip had disaster written all over it. They were both very hurt over the way their adoption was criticised, and Guy thought it was too soon to be going back with a film crew.”


“Guy also thought it inappropriate to film baby David’s reunion with his father - and that it was a private moment. And he thought from one look at her schedule that it just didn’t look good to revisit on a whistle-stop tour of a few orphanages in a cavalcade of chauffeur-driven cars.

“He said to Madonna ‘if you do go then at least make sure you get your hands dirty this time’.”

David’s adoption last year reportedly helped heal previous tensions between the couple but the source added that this trip has re-open those old rifts: “They have been getting on so badly recently, that they have been left writing notes to each other rather than actually speaking.”

“They have been extremely conscious of raising their voices in front of the children, who they dote over.”

Guy also poo-pooed Madonna’s idea of adopting another child the southern African country: “Guy went ballistic [when she mentioned the possibility]. He thinks they must spend more time going through the process which can take months. But Madonna just thinks his attitude is unhelpful and unsupportive.”

Madonna has received more support for her visit in the country itself though. The Minister of Information in the country, Patricia Kaliati, told Reuters: “The government of Malawi salutes Madonna for coming back with the child for the father to see him.” The chief of Gumulira village - which is to receive a new clinic paid for by Madonna’s Raising Malawi charity - added: “We are very happy to receive Madonna today and we are thankful for her support.”