Surviving teen angst as a parent is a tough gig. But doing it in the public eye is a whole other ball game, as Madonna is fast learning.
Not only was the megastar was forced to take court action after Rocco, her 15-year-old son with English director Guy Ritchie, refused to return to her home in New York to spend Christmas Day with her, but the defiant teen failed to comply with the judge’s orders, instead staying with his father in London.
Madonna, who has posted a series of family shots featuring her kids in recent days, shared a pointed message on her Instagram account: “It’s possible to be an entertainer and a good mother!!! Too bad we don’t live in a society where many encourage strong independent single working moms! The next great Frontier!”
Though her lifestyle is presumably far from that shared by the majority of single mums, the sentiment is clear.
In the image, she is happily sharing a couch with her four children – Lourdes, 19, Rocco and adopted children David Banda, 10, and nine-year-old Mercy James.
Though he didn’t return home over the festive season, Madonna publicly wished her son, who is now the subject of an ongoing international custody battle, a happy Christmas.
Rocco reportedly blocked his 57-year-old mum from seeing his Instagram posts, then removed his account altogether.
According to a source close to Ritchie, Rocco – who joined Madonna on her worldwide Rebel Heart tour last year – craves stability and feels his mother is “too controlling”, The New York Post reports.
“Rocco spent most of the second half of 2015 on tour with his mother and got upset about not spending enough time with her,” the source said.
“Even by her ruthless standards, Madonna has been particularly driven on the tour, and when Rocco did see her, he felt like she was trying to micromanage his life.”
Welcome to life as a teenager, Rocco.
With his custody battle due back in court early next month, it sounds like there is still a bumpy road for the family ahead.
Top Comments
When people resort to generalisations instead of the specifics in cases like this it is generally :) because their specific behaviour is not enough to back up their claim. There are plenty of great parents out there, but they are great parents because they parent well, not because all parents are great. How telling that this self described "strong independent woman" blames society for her relationship issues with her son, but credits herself with her success's in life. Master/Mistress of your own destiny when things go well and victim of a conspiracy when they don't.
She needs to stop exploiting him. Doesn't he have rights to privacy?