Madonna has been at the centre stage of pop music and has been revered as the ‘Queen of Pop’. With a career that has influenced culture, her music has been studied by literary and music scholars. Along with being outspoken and honest about her opinions, Madonna has also been open about her personal life, especially her romantic relationships. Here’s a look at all the men that Madonna has dated.
Madonna has credited her ex, Dan Gilroy, for changing her focus from dancing to singing
Before making headway as a singer, Madonna used to perform as a backup singer for many other artists. However, it was her musician boyfriend of the time, Dan Gilroy, who helped her connect with music. Madonna stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that she got into a period of ‘intensive musical training’ with Dan Gilroy. The couple collaborated on the work front as well, when the budding pop star played with Dan in his band, Breakfast Club. However, after issues arose due to her singing, she left both the band and the relationship. Talking about her career shift with Dan, Madonna shared:
“I was just a lot more goal-oriented and commercial-minded than they were. I just took over in the sense that I said, ‘What do you know? Teach it to me’. I took advantage of the situation. I wanted to know everything they knew because I knew I could make it work to my benefit.”
Madonna and Sean Penn had a troubled marriage
Madonna and Sean Penn met on the set of her music video, ‘Material Girl’ and tied the knot in 1985, on her 27th birthday. However, their marriage faced troubles right off the bat, with Sean being extremely possessive of Madonna, as reported by People. The actor physically attacked songwriter David Wolinski after spotting him talking to his wife. Sean got into more fights over the singer, which eventually led her to file for divorce from her husband. Madonna’s team officially shared with People:
“There was no one direct incident leading up to this. It was a series of cumulative pressures. There were many moments in their marriage when it was shaky, and Madonna was finally forced to face the reality of the situation — that they weren’t happy together.”
Madonna was reportedly in a relationship with her bodyguard
Madonna’s former bodyguard, Jim Albright, opened up about his relationship with the pop star. He claimed that both of them started a secret affair in 1991. The former bodyguard also mentioned that he had a girlfriend at the time, but he broke up with her. After this, Jim and Madonna reportedly grew closer. However, he accused the pop star of infidelity during their relationship and said that she was only loyal to herself.
Madonna’s relationship with rappers, Vanila Ice and Tupac Shakur
Madonna had dated the rapper, Vanilla Ice, from 1991 to 1992. The rapper revealed that Madonna was still not over her ex-husband, Sean Penn, which led to their split. The rapper also stated that Madonna had herself told him that she was still in love with Sean. After Vanilla Ice, Madonna got together with another popular rapper, Tupac Shakur. In a letter to Madonna, which TMZ made public, the rapper stated that he was ‘cut deep’ by her statement and had broken up with her. A part of the letter read:
“For you to be seen with a Black man wouldn’t in any way jeopardize your career, if anything it would make you seem that much more open and exciting. But for me at least in my previous perception I felt due to my ‘image’ I would be letting down half of the people who made me what I thought I was. I never meant to hurt you.”
Madonna’s relationship with Carlos Leon and her marriage to Guy Ritchie
Madonna embarked on a relationship with Carlos Leon after a chance meeting while jogging. In 1996, the pop star gave birth to her first and only baby with Carlos, named Lourdes Leon. However, a year later, the two split up. Then Madonna got into an on-and-off relationship with Guy Ritchie. The couple welcomed their son, Rocco, in 2000 and tied the knot in the same year. They also adopted another son, David. However, in 2008, Madonna and Guy headed for a divorce.
Who is Madonna’s current boyfriend?
Madonna is currently dating a 28-year-old soccer player, Akeem Morris of Jamaican descent. They reportedly met on the sets of one of her magazine cover shoots. After being spotted together in New York for the Fourth of July celebration, Madonna and Akeem sparked dating rumours. The soccer player also joined the pop star for her 66th birthday bash.
What are your thoughts on Madonna’s love life? Let us know.
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