Madonna Update: Custody Turns Into Bitter Battle As Her Son Refuses To Leave London
Madonna, currently involved in a custody battle over her 15-year-old son Rocco Ritchie, will have to wait until February 3 to see if her son is forced to visit her in New York, despite a previous ruling that he must return to his mother for the holidays.
Page Six reports that Rocco, currently living in London with his father, stepmother, and three siblings, allegedly told his friends that, despite what the judge says, he will not be going to New York to be with his mother. Last month, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Deborah Kaplan ruled that the 15-year-old must return to Madonna for the holidays, but the teen’s own attorneys made it clear that he’ll not be returning voluntarily.
According to one of Guy Ritchie’s movie associates, Rocco refuses to see his mother because he grew tired not only of touring with her, but also due to her controlling behavior during the rare times he actually got to spend time with her.
“Rocco spent most of the second half of 2015 on tour with his mother and got upset about not spending enough time with her. Even by her ruthless standards, Madonna has been particularly driven on the tour, and when Rocco did see her, he felt like she was trying to micromanage his life.”
The difference in life with his father as opposed to his mother, continued the insider, is that Guy Ritchie reportedly provides a more private, laid-back life for Rocco, something that’s important to a teen who wants to talk to other teens without being followed by the media. While with his mother, Rocco reportedly finds it difficult to maintain a normal life and make friends since the paparazzi are continuously around.
“When he’s in England, [Rocco] gets to live a low-key life.?.?. He can go about his business and talk to girls without paparazzi stalking him, as Guy has carved out a pretty private existence for his family.”
Additionally, while Guy Ritchie is more lax with parenting, Madonna is reportedly “old school.” The “Like a Virgin” singer makes all of her children follow a strict macrobiotic diet, which eliminates all chocolate, sweets, dairy products, and preservatives. She also doesn’t hesitate to take items away from her children if they are untidy.
In a 2005 interview with Newsweek, the pop superstar opened up about disciplining her oldest child, Lourdes, now 19. When Lourdes was a child, Madonna took clothing and other items away until her daughter earned them back.
“She has to earn all of her clothes back by being tidy, picking up things in her room, making her bed in the morning.?.?. She wears the same outfit every day to school until she learns her lesson.”
Although Rocco once loved touring with his mother as a backup dancer during her 2012 tour, the teen reportedly became embroiled in screaming matches with her on her current tour, and according to statement by Madonna last year, it’s because her son has no respect for how hard she’s worked.
“My 14-year-old son is absolutely not satisfied with all my accomplishments. He just wants me to cook for him.”
Meanwhile, Madonna may have plans to enroll Rocco in military school, should he arrive back to New York and in her custody. Rocco’s father, however, is insistent that his son old is old enough to choose himself where he wants to live.
“Guy is adamant Rocco should be free to choose to live where he wants to. The fact he can spend longer on the movie means he will have more time to confront Madonna over Rocco’s future. He’s ready for the fight.”
[Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP]
