Madonna is back with another scandalous affair for the history books. Or rather, a scandalous romance that is actually from the history books. According to Variety, her Madgesty is slated to write and direct "W.E.," "a biopic focused on the love affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

In case you weren't around in the 1930s, when the romance featured in the film occurred, the scandal had many layers. That Simpson was American was enough of an affront, but additionally she was perceived as a woman of "limitless ambition," and the fact that she was divorced was scandalous because the Church of England "did not permit the re-marriage of divorced people with living ex-spouses." Edward had to choose: his obligation to family and country as king, or the woman he loved.

On 11 December 1936, Edward made a broadcast to the people, saying of Wallis, "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility, and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love." (Source: Wikipedia)

Simpson was known to entertain friends who were associated with fascism, and online photos of the couple include one of them smiling and shaking hands with Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany, who, up to the abdication, had viewed Edward as a potential diplomatic ally.

Some online reports indicate that the Madonna version will be a musical, but that report is unsubstantiated at press time.

LINK: http://blog.beliefnet.com/idolchatter/2010/02/madonna-to-pen-film-about-forb.html