Madonna leaves Guy behind

Apr 17, 2007, 11:10 GMT

Madonna looks on as a local woman sings at Gumulira village in Mchinji outside Lilongwe April 16, 2007. Madonna arrived in Malawi on Monday. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Madonna arrived in Malawi without husband Guy Ritchie yesterday (16.04.07).

The singer - who travelled with daughter Lourdes and adopted son David - has been reportedly rowing with Guy about her plans to adopt again.

The director was expected to join his wife, but stayed in London to look after their six-year-old son Rocco.

Friends of the couple say the 48-year-old singer made a series of "tearful phone calls" begging Guy to be with her when 18-month-old David is reunited with his father today (17.04.07).

A source told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "Madonna was furious, telling him to reschedule his work commitments because family comes first. But Guy wouldn't budge. He 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."

It is alleged the couple have been arguing since David's adoption, and tensions increased when Madonna spoke to Guy about adopting again.

The source added: "Guy went ballistic. He thinks they must spend more time going through the process. Madonna thinks his attitude is unsupportive."

Madonna - wearing sunglasses, a wide Panama hat and combat trousers - and 10-year-old Lourdes visited a farm project in one of the country's poorest areas yesterday.

They spent two hours chatting to hundreds of villagers at Millennium Garden - which teaches people how to grow their own food.

The pair were shown around the irrigation system and Lourdes challenged local children to a water fight.

Madonna and Lourdes were presented with flowers and bracelets, before driving back to Kimbala Lodge.

Madonna is expected to stay in Malawi for a week and will visit several orphanages, sparking reports she is to adopt again.

Her spokeswoman has denied the claims, insisting she is helping to establish a new health care centre.

(C) BANG Media International