Madonna's used underwear is being auctioned

Asked if it was "creepy" that someone will own Madonna's pants, her publicist Liz Rosenberg told the New York Post newspaper's Page Six column: "If the shoe fits, then wear them in good health."

Among the more unusual items up for grabs are the star's diary from 1988, which includes hand-written entries detailing an appearance on 'Late Night with David Letterman' and dates with then-husband Sean Penn, and a signed document relating to the former couple's separation.

Also on sale are costumes the 56-year-old star wore in her movies 'A League of Their Own', 'Evita', and 'The Next Big Thing', negatives and prints of nude pictures Madonna posed for in 1979 - some of which later appeared in Penthouse magazine - and the Marilyn Monroe-inspired red dress, stole and jewellery from her 'Material Girl' video, which are expected to fetch $20,000-$40,000 in the sale.

Madonna's publicist said the singer is currently on vacation with her four children and is unaware the auction - which she will not profit from - is taking place.

She added: "I do not believe any of what is being auctioned off was in Madonna's possession.