Madonna’s Adoption Decision Will Be Heard May 4
Madonna
Madonna’s appeal of a court ruling denying her request to adopt Chifundo “Mercy” James, a 3-year-old girl, from Malawi will be heard next month, a court official said on Monday.
The singer does not need to be present for the appeal, which may last about two weeks. Liz Rosenberg, Madonna’s rep, said Monday she did not believe that Madonna would attend.
Joseph Chigona, Registrar of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal, said the case will come before three judges from the Supreme Court of Appeal on Monday, May 4.
“As with all court cases involving infants, this one will be in chambers, not in an open court,” said Chigona.
Madonna said she still wants to adopt Chifundo “Mercy” James. The singer has already adopted a son, David, from Malawi, Africa.
Malawi demands that prospective parents to live in the country for 18 to 24 months while child welfare authorities assess their suitability. It is a rule that was not put to action when Madonna was allowed to take David in 2006.
Alan Chinula, Madonna’s Malawian lawyer, said he was hopeful the appeal would succeed.
“We believe the lower court judge erred by basing her judgment on an archaic law of over 50 years ago,” Chinula said.
Madonna told a newspaper in Malawi that she wants to educate Mercy and empower and encourage her to help people in Malawi.
“I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and health care possible,” she said in an e-mailed response to questions. “And it’s my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country.”
