Madonna
© AFP/File Bertrand GuayLondon, Oct 17: In what seems to be one of the more controversial adoptions, pop star Madonna dramatically flew out the one-year-old Malawian boy to London, not waiting for the African country's High Court to deliver a judgment on the legal challenge posed by charities.
Charities groups have jointly expressed their dissatisfaction with the singer’s move, saying that Madonna should have waited for the impending High court decision.
Emmie Chanika, executive director of the Civil Liberties Committee, said Madonna's actions were an example of 'one rule for the rich and one for the poor.' Malawi's law was clear that foreigners wishing to adopt had to live in the country for 18 months so they could be assessed as prospective parents.
"I am very angry. There are many people who want to adopt and they go through the proper procedure, however long that takes. People should be treated the same, whether they are rich or poor,” The Daily Mail quoted her as saying.
Madonna is said to have told her lawyers that they have an 'open check book' and must fight to the 'bitter end' to ensure baby David is not taken away from her. She was said to be 'apoplectic' and has insisted David will be taken away over 'her dead body'.
"Madonna is furious that this has happened after she has done so much for Malawi and given so much money to the country," says the source.
She is said to have offered $3 million in aid. And she is saying that David will be taken away from her over her dead body. She has told her lawyers they have an open check book and instructed them to fight this to the bitter end," a source close to Madonna said.
A spokeswoman for the star said Madonna was acting within the law by flying her son out of Malawi.
"He was issued a passport and a visa was granted earlier today which allows him to travel outside of Malawi. This interim adoption grants David's new parents temporary custody for 18 months, during which time they will be evaluated by the courts of Malawi per the tribal customs of the country. It is expected that the family will be reunited within the next few days," he said.
Accompanied by one of the singer's bodyguards and members of her entourage, the toddler, David Banda boarded a small private jet. They flew to Johannesburg where they transferred to a commercial flight to Heathrow for a reunion with Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie.
Meanwhile, tensions between the singer and her husband have reached boiling point, according to friends who say he wanted to take a more considered approach to the adoption. She was adamant she wanted her baby right away. (ANI)