Merciful Madonna

International News, By Christian Taylor, 14th April, 2009

Madonna is appealing the Malawi Supreme Court decision that is standing in the way of her adopting a second child from Malawi – Mercy James. Judge Esimie Chombo recently refused to permit the adoption because Madonna didn’t meet Malawi’s 18 to 24 month residency requirement.

According to UK’s Daily Mail, Madonna has launched a PR campaign as part of her appeal, publishing an official statement in Malawi’s Nation newspaper, along with a photo of her cradling Mercy.

“I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible,” writes Madonna. “And it’s my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country.

“Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal regarding my desire to adopt Mercy, I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and my friends around the world.”

In another display of generosity, Madonna has made a donation of almost $695,000 (AUD) to earthquake victims in Italy.

“I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from,” Madonna said in a statement. “My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones or their homes.”

Madonna’s paternal grandparents lived in the village of Pacentro, in the Abruzzo region. According to the Guardian the Aquila earthquake didn’t actually hit Pacentro. The Mayor of the region assures that the money will be passed on to neighbouring regions that have been ravaged by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake.

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Your Thoughts

gezz71

said ages ago

she will have her way. easy. the malawi govt are 'taking a stance' on 'celebrities baby shopping'. that's all it is - a publicity stunt - nice one M xx

The Morphetomnemonic

said ages ago

Whether it is any good or not, Malawi passed the law for what they felt was a valid reason (which may be to curtail celebrity baby shopping, might be something else - I do not know). It might seem like it is not in the best interests of the children, but right there you have a potentially 'sticky' issue. What is in the best interests of children?

Mama Catastrophe

said ages ago

OMG Ash! Are you serious? Adopted people often feel a loss of identity in the best of adoption situations, but this kid will be losing thier cultural identity as well. Being adopted by a rich white woman isnt a guarantee of an ideal life for this kid.

Asherbella

said ages ago

An Italian-American woman raised Catholic CAN give her African kid a good cultural grounding. You don't have to have black skin to learn a new language, cook African cuisine, etc. I am a Jew. By your logic I'd have to live in Israel in order to embrace my Jewish heritage. Are Jews living in Australia any less Jewish than Jews living in Jerusalem?

Mama Catastrophe

said ages ago

An Italian-American woman raised Catholic CAN give her African kid a good cultural grounding. You don't have to have black skin to learn a new language, cook African cuisine, etc. Ok Ash if you reckon that an Italian-American Catholic woman can provide the same cultural identity to the child that she would get from actualy being raised within her own culture - who is Mama to argue with you. Mama can just see this kid getting a real sence of her African culture from her french nanny and french school - at least it will be different from Madges already adopted child who has an Australian accent.

Asherbella

said ages ago

What about bi-racial children? US actress Halle Berry's mum is white, her dad is black. Where do you stand on inter-racial marriages/children?

Mama Catastrophe

said ages ago

WTF are you rabbiting on about now? How do you make the leap from an inter-racial adoption to bi-racial children. They are completely different.

Asherbella

said ages ago

Fine. Let little Mercy grow up in Malawi planting tomato vines, drinking dirty water, getting pregnant at 15, bashed at 17 , getting malaria. Culture is where the heart is, not where you live or the colour of your Mum's skin.

Mama Catastrophe

said ages ago

Cant be arsed even trying with you anymore Ash

Asherbella

said ages ago

I was talking about quality of life. I'm sure there would be a Malawi community in the state of California the child could interact with...

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