(Xinhuanet) — Madonna denied accusation that she is using her fame to speed up the adoption process of a second Malawian child, insisting that she’s committed to maintaining a connection to adopted son David’s root, her spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
Madonna met the 4-year-old Chifundo ‘Mercy’ James on one of her visits to Malawi over a year ago. ‘The connection was instant and profound,’ said Madonna’s spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg, adding that ‘Madonna’s desire to adopt Mercy is totally heartfelt.’
The girl’s 18-year-old mother was unmarried and died soon after she gave birth, according to the child’s uncle, John Ngalande. Her father is believed to be alive but has little contact with his daughter, he said.
Madonna appeared in court in Malawi on Monday seeking to adopt Mercy. The case was adjourned until Friday.
‘Madonna is currently awaiting a judge’s ruling regarding the adoption of Mercy James. She is following all standard procedures that are required,’ said Liz Rosenberg.
‘Madonna is committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with David’s Malawian roots,’ Rosenberg was quoted by media as saying.
The pop superstar arrived in the African nation over the weekend with 12-year-old daughter Lourdes, 8-year-old son Rocco and 3-year-old boy David, whose adoption was finalized in 2008 after two years of legal wrangling.
Critics have accused the government of giving Madonna, one of the world’s most successful performing artists, special treatment when she adopted Malawian David Banda, saying it skirted laws that ban nonresidents from adopting children.
Several Malawian welfare officials have also criticized Madonna’s attempts to expand her family, accusing the singer of using her fame to speed up the adoption process.
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