Madonna has hit back at Elton John after he accused her of lip-synching, telling People magazine she thought he was a friend. “He was obviously having a bad day,” she said. “When I read about it I was surprised, because I’ve always thought of Elton as a friend. I’ve had tea at his country house. I’ve had dinner at his house in the city and in restaurants.”

Madonna’s rep is denying reports that she sent a box of chocolates and a note to Sir Elton John saying: “Obviously, you have too much time on your hands,” after his remarks critical of the Material Girl for lip-synching. “If Madonna were to respond to Elton, you know it would be way way more clever than candy and that pathetic line,” the rep insisted.