Guy Ritchie: 'Madonna's a great mum'

Ritchie backs Madonna following her failed bid to adopt Mercy James

Guy Ritchie has publicly backed ex-wife Madonna after her failed attempt to adopt Malawian Mercy James, calling the Queen of Pop ‘a great mum’.

Following news last Friday that the A-list singer’s attempt to adopt three-year-old Mercy had failed, Ritchie stepped up to speak publicly about Madonna’s mothering credentials. In a statement issued through his rep, the Brit director said: ‘I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened that her application has been rejected. She is motivated only by being a caring parent who seeks to share some of the advantages and opportunities that her life has given her.’

Last week a court ruling refused Madonna’s application to adopt Mercy James, owing to a residency rule that stipulates prospective parents must live in Malawi for at least 18 months prior to adoption.

The law was waived three years ago when Madonna adopted David Banda from the country.

The surprise support from the 50-year-old’s ex-husband was in stark contrast to previous public relations, which since the couple’s quickie divorce last year, have been strained.

Putting his issues aside though, Ritchie’s statement continued saying: ‘Madonna is a fantastic and loving mother who cares deeply about her own children, and children who may need additional help and support.

‘This time it did not work out, but there will be other opportunities and I wish her well in them. She is a great mum.’

Madonna said an emotional farewell to the Malawi orphan at the weekend and arrived back in the UK last night. The singer will reportedly challenge the court decision after Madonna’s lawyer Alan Chinula described the judgement as ‘incomprehensible’.

Meanwhile, little Mercy James has been returned to the orphanage where she previously resided, despite the appearance of a man who claims to be her biological father.

The man, a security guard named James Kambewa, claimed he was told Mercy had died with her mother at birth and is said to be willing to take a DNA test to prove his paternity. The news is another blow to Madonna’s already ailing case.