Madonna has defended her decision to adopt a second child from Malawi, despite renewed controversy.
The star has been called a “bully” and been accused of “stealing” children from the country after observers claimed she’s side-stepped normal adoption procedures because of her wealth.
After her court hearing on Monday was postponed until Friday, Madonna and her children - 12 year old Lourdes, eight year old Rocco and three year old David, who she adopted from the country in 2006 - visited villages around the country’s capital Lilongwe and yesterday visited the Home of Hope orphanage, where David lived before his adoption.
The orphanage’s director Lucy Chipeta is quoted as saying the family visited David’s old room and saw his crib: “It was an emotional moment. I am happy she brought her other children to see his roots.”
The older children have also been introduced to Chifundo James, whose name translates into English as Mercy, the four year old girl who Madonna is hoping to adopt.
An onlooker told the Sun that they met each other at a dinner party at Madonna’s luxury lodge: “Madonna looked incredibly proud and happy, and David was so funny - he couldn’t leave Mercy alone and pulled her around all the guests, [telling them] ‘This is my new sister’.”
The adoption case will be heard in court on Friday but Madonna is said to have been told that her application will succeed and she has told staff at her London home to “prepare for the arrival of my new little girl”.
Her publicist released a statement last night, explaining: “Madonna is committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with David’s Malawian roots.
“The adoption process for Mercy began over a year ago when Madonna met her on one of her visits to Malawi. The connection was instant and profound. Madonna’s desire to adopt Mercy is totally heartfelt.
“She is not skirting any legal issues in her application to adopt this child and is looking to provide a loving family environment and the best education and health care possible for a child who has been in an orphanage since her birth.
“Madonna is currently awaiting a judge’s ruling regarding the adoption of Mercy James. She is following all standard procedures that are required and is waiting for the judge to hopefully grant adoption by Friday.”
Mercy was orphaned after her mum died in childbirth but her surviving family members are opposed to the adoption, saying they will only agree if they can keep in touch with the little girl and if Mercy returns to the country as an adult.
Earlier this month, Madonna said she would not adopt a second child from the country unless the nation’s people and government were behind it.
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