Madonna Condemns Sentence of Gay Malawi Couple

Reactions to the conviction of gay Malawi couple Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, who were sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labor for "gross indecency" and "unnatural acts" for having an engagement ceremony in late December, came today from Madonna and the White House.

Madonna, who many have been calling on throughout this human rights travesty to make a statement, and who is building a school and has adopted two children from Malawi, said:

"I am shocked and saddened by the decision made today by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison. As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. Today, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved. I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi—and around the world—to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all."

And the White House released a statement through Press Secretary Robert Gibbs:

"The United States strongly condemns the conviction and harsh sentencing of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Malawi. The criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity is unconscionable, and this case mars the human rights record of Malawi. We urge Malawi and all countries to stop using sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for arrest, detention, or execution."

Elton John & David Furnish Fell in Love Very Quickly

If guests at Elton John's legendary Oscar bash need some juicy fodder to prep for this year's party, they've got it – straight from the host himself.

In the most recent issue of Parade magazine, the British singer shares intimate details about his love life before and after he met his longtime partner, David Furnish.

John, 62, says his previous romances, always with "someone younger," were lopsided. He confesses he would "smother them with love," exotic trips and expensive gifts like Cartier watches and sports cars.

"They didn't have jobs. They were reliant on me. I did this repeatedly," he says of his former flames. "In six months they were bored and hated my guts because I'd taken their lives and self-worth away. I hadn't intended to."

But he's in a much better place with Furnish, his partner since 1993.

"He was very well dressed, very shy," John says of their first meeting. Noting that he was "instantly" attracted to Furnish, the singer says their relationship took off from there. "The next night we had dinner. After it, we consummated our relationship. We fell in love very quickly."

Still, the pair work to keep their relationship strong. "Every Saturday for 16 years, we've sent each other a card," he says, "no matter where we are in the world, to say how much we love each other.