Madonna must wait for Mercy

By Lucy Hutchings on Tuesday 31 March 2009

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Madonna - Celebrity News - Marie Claire

She may be best know for her risqué costumes, flesh-flashing antics and age-defying get-ups, but yesterday Madonna donned something a little more unexpected – as she played it demure for a Malawian court.

In a high neck black jumper, below the knee skirt and T-bar shoes, the Material Girl arrived at court to discover if she'll be allowed to adopt her second Malawian child, four-year-old Mercy James.

After being questioned by judge, Esme Chombo, the singer left after one hour. Court was adjourned until Friday, when it will be confirmed whether Madonna can add Mercy to her brood of three children.

SEE MADONNA IN MALAWI PICS HERE

However, vocal opposition to Madonna's second adoption has been steadily growing, both in Malawi and around the world.

Concern has been voiced over Madonna's Kabbalah religion, as well as her lifestyle as a divorced woman, who was up until recently dating a 22-year old toyboy lover.

Mabvuto Bamusi, executive director of Malawi's Human Rights Consultative Committee branded the singer a 'child kidnapper,' while Undule Mwakasungula, its national co-ordinator, accused her of behaving like a bully.

'She has money, she has status, she is using her profile to manipulate the procedures,' Mwakasungula argued.

Save the Children has also spoken out, and urged the singer to reconsider the adoption

A spokesman for the charity, Dominic Nutt, told the Daily Telegraph, 'The best place for a child is in his or her family in their home community.

'Most children in orphanages have one parent still living, or have an extended family that can care for them in the absence of their parents.'

The charity's opposition stems from its belief that international adoption should only take place if the child has no living relatives, and there are no options for care in their own country.

Madonna is yet to comment on the adoption.

PICS: MADONNA & FAMILY IN MALAWI