Liz Smith on Madonna and her brother Christopher Ciccone

Liz Smith sur Madonna et son frère Christopher Ciccone.


Liz Smith: Madonna's brother prepares to release book
By Tribune Media Services
June 13, 2008

"Odd" is not the word Madonna is thinking of right now, as her formerly devoted brother, Christopher Ciccone, prepares to release a supposedly "devastating and graphic" tell-all about his famous sister.
Christopher is an artist, writer and in the past, collaborated with Madonna on her early tours. In fact, their joint efforts on "Blonde Ambition" and "The Girlie Show" resulted in the best examples of Madonna in concert. This was back when Madonna concerts were pretty much all fun, and she was not hitting her fans over the head with serious "messages" - or if she did that, she - and Christopher - kept it accessible.
Well, that was back in the 20th century. Christopher has always blown hot and cold about his association with Madonna; he was famous because he was Madonna's brother. He liked being famous. He got a lot of perks and pleasure off the heat of his sister's flame. He just didn't like always being Madonna's brother, as if that was his only title in life, or the assumption that he was getting some kind of a handout from her.
Christopher, like Madonna, was pretty sure of himself and his talent. He has always had a wicked tongue and generally told Madonna things she didn't want to hear. (He was certainly no Max, assuring Norma Desmond, "Madame is the greatest star.") Eventually he said too much. So, they have been estranged for a number of years. Some say he just couldn't attain or come round to Madonna's elevated spirituality of the past decade.
He has no desire for rapprochement, obviously! Telling naughty tales of Madonna's younger and wilder days will freeze him out for good, probably. But most likely it'll depend on how the Kabbalah looks at forgiveness. I guess Christopher has made his peace with that. Well, to each his own royalty check.
I remember Christopher fondly. And I am also fond of Madonna. They were very much alike. Maybe that is the problem. It's too bad it had to come to this. I just hope he doesn't use the word "catharsis" when explaining why he wrote it. Catharsis is for a therapist's couch. Writing an intimate book is something else.
Madonna has six other siblings. Let's hope this is not the beginning of a trend!

Source: Baltimoresun.