Marie Claire News

Sunday 7 September

 


Madonna's adoption victory

Madonna and Guy Ritchie Rex Features

Madonna's two-year adoption of David Banda has finally been officially approved.

A lawyer for the star has released a statement, saying: ‘We are very happy with what the judge has ruled. It is a positive and beautiful judgment that will have an impact on Malawi's adoption laws.’

The adoption had previously faced criticism, with opposers accusing the government of skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children in Malawi.

Critics accused the star of using her celebrity status to get special treatment.

Malawian laws were bent when she and Guy were allowed to have David for an assessment period of 18-24 months in London. The rules say the period should be in Malawi.

But the Malawian judge said he was satisfied that Madonna and her husband Guy Rithcie were 'perfect parents'.

David's dad, farmer Yohane, 33, said: 'I am glad it’s all over, I am glad David has a new, good home.'

The Queen of Pop found David in a Malawaian orphanage in 2006.David's mother died when he was a month old. His father has said he believed he could not care for him alone, that placing him in an orphanage was the best way to ensure David's survival, and that he did not object to Madonna adopting David.

Meanwhile, the government of Malawi has announced plans to make Madonna an honorary citizen in celebration of her humanitarian efforts.

Billy Kaunda, Malawi’s deputy tourism and culture minister, said on Tuesday: ‘We are proud as a country to be associated with such a megastar. She will have freedom of all cities here. She won’t be bothered with issues like visas and other limitations.’

Madge is set to open a school for girls in the country later this year, and funds her own and six other orphanages there.

SEE MORE MADONNA PHOTOS HERE

Wednesday 28 May 2008


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