Ritchie blasted for "retarded" Madonna slur

Guy Ritchie has been criticised by campaigners for a disability group after he branded ex-wife Madonna "retarded".

Ritchie made the remark during an interview with Esquire magazine, while reflecting on his divorce from the popstar.

He said in the piece: "I still love her. But she's retarded, too."

According to Contactmusic, the comment was a reference to Madonna's outburst during a gig on her 'Sticky & Sweet' tour, when she gave a shout-out to the "emotionally retarded", before adding: "You may know a few people like that. God knows I do."

However, the director's use of the term has upset representatives from disability rights group The Arc.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "Use of the R-word demeans people with intellectual disabilities."

Ritchie has yet to respond.