Alex Rodriguez, the baseball star romantically linked to Madonna, has reportedly asked his wife for a divorce.
The 34-year-old sportsman allegedly told his wife Cynthia he wanted to end their five-year marriage because Madonna - whose marriage to Guy Ritchie is also said to be on the rocks - is his "spiritual soulmate".
A source close to Alex - who was seen without his wedding ring earlier this week - told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Alex said he and Madonna are spiritual soulmates, and she has helped introduce him to Kabbalah."
Cynthia is now said to have fled to France to stay with musician Lenny Kravitz, a close family friend.
The source added: "In recent weeks, Alex has remained in New York while Cynthia has been at their mansion in Miami. She went to Paris after Lenny offered a shoulder to cry on over her split. Cynthia is devastated and needed to get away."
According to a family friend, "tearful" Cynthia believes Madonna brain-washed Alex. The pal told the New York Daily News newspaper: "Cynthia said, 'I feel like Madonna is using mind control over him. I don't recognise the man he has become.' "
Alex - who last year was rumoured to be having an affair with a stripper - is said to have become friendly with Madonna, 49, after they met at a gym. Madonna's US spokesperson, Liz Rosenberg, has denied the relationship reports, insisting the pair are "just friends".
She said: "Madonna and Alex have the same manager, Guy Oseary. They know each other and Madonna took her kids to a New York Yankees game last week. There's really not anything to comment beyond that." Liz also denied that Madonna and Guy are set to divorce, following persistent rumours that have dogged the couple for weeks.
Meanwhile, rocker Lenny - who has been linked with Madonna in the past - has dismissed rumours of a romance between him and Cynthia.
He said: "There is absolutely no affair between Cynthia Rodriguez and myself. This is unequivocally 100 per cent not true. Cynthia is a friend and is here with the godfather of her baby, who is also Alex's trainer, his wife and their baby girl." Cynthia gave birth to the couple's second child, Ella Alexander, in April.