Madonna Adoption Denied

Well, folks -- it has come to pass. The judge said "no" to the Madonna adoption.

Yesterday in Malawi, a judge rejected Madonna's adoption application to adopt 3-year-old Mercy. Madonna can appeal the decision to Malawi's Surpreme Court -- and I think we all know she's gonna.

Why was the Madonna adoption denied? A lawyer at the hearing said Madonna was rejcted because of residency rules. See, Malawi adoption regulations require prospective parents to live in the southern African nation for at least 18 months. Hmm. So will Madge move to Malawi now?

The residency rule was waived in 2006, when Madonna adopted David. At that time though, the Material Mom was still married to Guy Ritchie. Since their divorce was finalized this year, she was attempting to adopt 3-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James as a single mother. And maybe that was the biggest problem of all.

Hmm. Guess money doesn't buy everything.

source: The Huffington Post

Comments: 16

DIANE D. Apr 3, 2009, 9:52am UTC

I was hoping she could.

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Mia Thomas Apr 3, 2009, 10:05am UTC

I was pretty surprised!

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Kenn T. Apr 3, 2009, 10:59am UTC

On the other hand, maybe this is when the Madonna fortune comes out in full force.
She might set up housekeeping in Malawi if it doesn't require her to actually live there.
I want to believe that Madonna is using her vast wealth and generosity to adopt these children, and that she isn't driven to publicity through them as Joan Crawford was with her four adopted children (She too was a single mother - and we all know where that ends up...)
I digress...
I'm sure Madonna and the child have bonded already and she is not likely to let this slide easily.
Thanks for the update, Mia.
KT

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Daf W. Apr 3, 2009, 12:33pm UTC

im pretty shocked it got denied.
....seems like only because shes a single mother now that she can't adopt..im not sure if i totally agree with that one!

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Peter Joseph Swanson Apr 3, 2009, 12:42pm UTC

She's probably be a pretty good Mom if she just promises not to sing to the kids.

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Mia Thomas Apr 3, 2009, 12:43pm UTC

Ya, Peter -- or break out that freakish pointy bra from back in the day.

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Mia Thomas Apr 3, 2009, 1:06pm UTC

Keith and Diana -- agreed. Aren't there enough kids right at our doorsteps who need help?

Sure hope the Supreme Court of Malawi doesn't overturn the decision. That'll just prove that you can always get your way if you have the money and status.

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Tammy N. Apr 3, 2009, 1:21pm UTC

Adoption in the US is a lengthy and complicated process! Believe me... we KNOW. Even though the agency and courts tell you that the birth families rights are severed... that's not the whole truth. Too often grandparents, etc come out of nowhere to excercise their rights to the child even after the adoption is "finalized". It's very complicated.

I would assume many people with lots of money and fame are adopting outside of the US to avoid legal battles with extended families, etc. And coming from inside my shoes... I can't blame them!

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Mia Thomas Apr 3, 2009, 1:25pm UTC

Tammy, thanks for sharing that -- a helpful perspective.

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Nora D. Apr 3, 2009, 1:27pm UTC

Yes, there are more than enough kids here in our own country that need to be adopted. It's sad that the adoption process has to be sooo complicated and drawn out. Makes it very discouraging for those who really want to adopt.
I hadn't heard about Madonna's adoption being denied, but most certainly she will appeal.

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