Ciccone: I will speak to Madonna as an 'equal'

16 July 2008 

MADONNA's estranged brother CHRISTOPHER CICCONE has refused to make amends with his famous sister until she speaks to him as an "equal".
 
Ciccone blames Madonna's marriage to director Guy Ritchie for creating a rift between the pair - accusing the director of homophobia.
 
Speaking on U.S. TV on Tuesday (15Jul08) to promote his book Life With My Sister Madonna, Ciccone says, "Frankly, I don't want to talk to her unless we speak to each other as equals. That's where it has to come from and if she stays together with her husband and that means we don't have a relationship, as long as she's happy, it's cool with me."
 
But Ciccone admits he hasn't given up on reuniting with the Sorry hitmaker.
 
He adds, "What I'm suggesting is that Guy's attitude towards me needs to change, number one. And also her attitude toward me needs to change, number two... I'd like to get to know my niece and nephew better. I'd like to meet David... it will take some time for us to find our way back to a good place. I'm not sure if and when that will happen. I hope it does.