The original Material Girl has been spending the past couple of weeks in Malawi, home of her adopted son David, hoping to bring home a second orphan, 4 year-old Mercy James. After voicing concerns over the adoption earlier this week, Malawi officials announced their final ruling today, denying Madonna the right to adopt.
- "The decision came down to residency requirement and the fact that the judge believes she was being well taken care of in the orphanage," said Zione Ntaba, a spokeswoman for the Malawi Justice Department. "For the Malawians, the fact that the child is at an orphanage, is being taken care of and is going through the school education system, that does qualify as the best interests of a child."
If residency is standing in her way, why was she able to adopt the first time around? Never one to go down easily, Madonna appealed the Malawi Supreme Court ruling this morning.
- "I just filed the notice of appeal this afternoon on instructions from my client," said Madonna's lawyer Alan Chinula.
This will be an interesting case to keep an eye on. Will Madonna be able to talk (or pay) her way out of the residency requirements? What do you think?
Malawi is home to one million AIDS orphans. You can support Madonna's charity, Raising Malawi, by choosing them as your Cause on SocialVibe. They currently have a goal of $10,000, the money raised will provide nutritious food, clothing, education and medical care for seven children living at Home of Hope Orphanage.
