Guy Ritchie's father has hit back at rumors his sons' marriage to Madonna is in trouble - insisting he was "shocked" by the reports. Ritchie's marriage to the superstar came under intense scrutiny earlier this month when the director failed to show up at New York's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, where his wife was honored.

This was the latest of several events the couple had failed to attend together, prompting scurrilous reports they'd split. However Ritchie's dad, John, has become the pair's latest defender, blaming their hectic schedules for their time apart.

He says, "They're happy. I was shocked when I read they were supposed to have been having problems. They've been running around different places. That's why they haven't been seen together." And John went on to dispel rumors that the Holiday hit-maker is planning on leaving her marital home in Britain and returning to her native U.S.

He adds, "She won't be going out to America to live for good. They've got lovely places here (in Britain)."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)