Tipping point the horse accident: Madonna's doomed marriage

Oct 17, 2008, 9:50 GMT

Madonna blames it on cold British men syndrome: British director Guy Ritchie and his wife, US singer Madonna arriving at the World Premiere of his new film \'RocknRolla\' at the Odeon West End in London, Britain. Madonna and Guy Ritchie are to divorce, according to media reports 15 October 2008. EPA/DANIEL DEME

Madonna's marriage was doomed after Guy Ritchie's "unsympathetic" reaction to her 2005 horse riding accident.

The turning point in the couple's relationship came when the singer broke eight bones in the fall, after which Madonna claims she received a "complete lack of love and sympathy" from her husband according to friends.

Pals believe the accident - which happened as she was celebrating her 47th birthday at the couple's Wiltshire home - caused many arguments between the couple and in one outburst after the incident Madonna reportedly asked Guy: "Did you ever really love me?"

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "From the moment Madonna fell from that horse, their marriage was doomed. If you can pinpoint an exact event, Madonna's horse-riding accident was it. Every other row the couple had following that boiled down to what happened that summer.

"Guy approached the whole thing in what she now calls, 'A very British way'. Instead of smothering her with sympathy he said, 'Come on darling, you're a tough bird. You'll be back on the horse in no time.'

"In Madonna's mind, she could have been killed, and she wanted to be lavished with love and attention.

"She was so furious at what she saw as Guy's lack of support and cruelty that she told him she was wrong to marry him."

Madonna broke four ribs, her collar bone, scapula and her left knuckle after falling from her horse.

After the accident, Madonna apparently confided to friends: "Guy can't possibly be my soulmate."

Friends of the star - who announced her divorce from Guy on Wednesday (15.10.08) - also claim she blames Guy's attitude on his British public school upbringing and has ruled out the idea of ever dating another English man.

Madonna told a pal Guy's action were "typical of emotionally-stunted British men".

The 50-year-old singer is continuing on her US tour, while Guy, 40, remains in London and has immersed himself in filming his new project 'Sherlock Holmes'.

The couple - who were married for almost eight years - are expected to divorce by Christmas.