Pal denies Ritchie-Madonna split stories

LONDON, June 30 (UPI) -- British filmmaker Guy Ritchie is planning a lavish 50th birthday bash for his wife Madonna, not plotting a divorce strategy as has been reported, a friend says.

Various media outlets reported last week that both Ritchie and Madonna had consulted London divorce lawyers and were living increasingly separate lives. Madonna was photographed without her wedding ring, fueling rumors the couple is splitting up.

However, the Daily Mail said Ritchie is planning to invite 200 friends to a party at the couple's country home in Wiltshire to celebrate Madonna's milestone birthday in early August.

"This is hardly the action of a man about to be divorced by his wife," one close friend told the newspaper. "I don't think you organize a 50th birthday party for your wife while at the same time consulting lawyers to end your marriage. ... (The party) will be quite spectacular. He's going to push the boat out. He's given it a lot of thought."

Ritchie's mother, Amber Leighton, also dismissed the break-up reports as "absolute rubbish," the Mail said.