After being denied the rights to adopt a 4 yr. old Malawian little girl, Chifundo “Mercy” James, lawyers for Madonna have filed an appeal with the African nation’s Supreme Court.
“I just filed the notice of appeal this afternoon on instructions from my client,” attorney, Alan Chinula, reported to Reuters on Friday .
The reason for the denial, according to a judge who witnessed the ruling, “Madonna was denied because of residency rules. Malawi adoption regulations require that prospective parents live in the southern African nation for at least 18 months”.
“Anyone could come to Malawi and quickly arrange for an adoption that might have grave consequences on the very children that the law seeks to protect,” Judge Esimie Chombo stated in her ruling.
When Madge was faced with the same ruling, back in 2006, when adopting 3 year old son David Banda, a waiver was eventually given and the adoption became finalized in 2008. What could be the hold up? It may be due to the pop stars newly single status. She and hubby Guy Richie divorced late last year.
