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Don't Feel Bad for $70M-Richer Ritchie

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 25, 2008 7:46 AM CST

(Newser) – Guy Ritchie should have known what he was getting into when he married Madonna, writes Liz Smith in the New York Post. “She was the most famous woman in the world. Did he think that would change?” But Ritchie doesn’t need our pity. As for reports that he gets none of her fortune, "please!” The director will snag about $70 million, says Smith. "Once you taste the really high life, you hold on if you can."

Ritchie cast Madonna as the “rich bitch” in all three projects they worked on, writes Smith, who wonders if he was trying convey "that he was not her creature, and in fact, she danced to his tune." Sure, "Madonna is no day at the beach," but she's vulnerable. "Did she offer the side of herself she keeps so close, only to have it ignored, taken for granted, mocked?" Perhaps, Smith suggests, Madonna should write a book: “How To Stay Married to an Extremely Famous Woman—One Easy Step—You Are Married to an Extremely Famous Woman, Deal With It!”

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By attending the premiere of Ritchie's "Rock n Rolla," Madonna assured publicity for the movie, writes Liz Smith in the New York Post. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, file)

Considering Madonna and Ritchie had son Rocco before tying the knot, and had dated for a few years, they both should have known what they were getting into, writes Liz Smith in the New York Post. (AP Photo/Martin Cleaver, file)

"Did Madonna let her guard down too much? Expect more attention, appreciation, affection? Did she find her hubby was less sensitive but more serious than she initially believed?" wonders Liz Smith. (Getty Images)

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They paired up for the disastrous Swept Away, in which Madonna plays (surprise!) a rich bitch who is abused by the servant she initially torments—in the end she falls in love with him. OK folks, what exactly was Guy Ritchie trying to tell us?!! - Liz Smith

I KNOW that Madonna is no day at the beach. But - and now for the big reveal! - Madonna has real and true vulnerability. Actually, she is rather poignantly romantic. - Liz Smith

Once you taste the really high life, you hold on if you can. If not to the woman, at least to her money. - Liz Smith, on Guy Ritchie's divorce settlement

Were they just like 'everybody else,' showing their best side, and then waking up after the rice had been thrown and the veil lifted (literally) to contend with reality and disillusionment? - Liz Smith, on Madonna and Guy Ritchie

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