Madonna was shocked to find out today that her bid to adopt 3 year old Mercy James has been rejected by Malawi High Court judge Esme Chombo.
The iconic recording artist has been in Malawi for nearly a week with her children Lourdes Leon, 12, Rocco Ritchie, 8, and David Banda, 3. They have been awaiting word on the adoption of the young girl she met in 2007. Her Malawian lawyer, Alan Chinula, has reportedly been working for the past 18 months to skirt the 18-24 month residency requirement.
Following five days of hearings, Judge Chombo made her official ruling. She said that the court is required to find suitable parents and “not someone who just flies in and out. I think the welfare of Mercy will be better served if she grows within the environment of the culture of Malawi. I must decline to grant the application to Madonna.”
Madonna’s controversial adoption of three year old David Banda in 2006 made headlines amid claims that her application received special consideration because of her star status.
We can’t see Madge packing up and heading home in defeat. She has homes in London and New York. Is it possible that she will establish a residence in Malawi as well? The singer is in the process of building a girls school in the region and has been lending support to an area orphanage.
Madonna and Lourdes below and video details of the court ruling.
Photos: WENN