Although a lower court recently ruled that Madonna could not adopt three-year-old Chifundo “Mercy” James, the Supreme Court just reversed that decision.
[Bauer Griffin Online]
M says: “I am extremely grateful for the Supreme Court’s ruling on my application to adopt Mercy James. I am ecstatic … My family and I look forward to sharing our lives with her.”
Yup, Mercy’s life just became a Holiday. Or maybe she should just thank her Lucky Stars. Ok, enough — it’s just too easy now that Madonna gets to keep her baby.
Three Malawian judges may find Madonna appealing after all.
The Sun reports that although no official decision has been announced, three appeals judges are in favor of allowing Madonna to adopt Mercy, a three-year-old Malawian orphan. Two judges reportedly have already submitted reports recommending that the adoption move forward, even though a lower court judge previously ruled that Madonna could not adopt Mercy because the singer had not fulfilled a residency requirement.
Assuming this report is accurate, an official announcement is expected next Sunday at Malawi’s Supreme Court of Appeal.
While the Malawi Supreme Court hears Madonna’s appeal to adopt three-year-old Mercy James today, a man claiming to be the child’s father tells CBS’ Early Show that he wants to keep his baby. Madonna’s reps, however, say there is no proof that he is the father.
It’s time for a blood test! And, yes, the lyrics to Papa Don’t Preach are now stuck in Popsquire’s head.
That’s when a three-judge Malawian Supreme Court of Appeal panel will hear an appeal filed by Madonna against an April 3 Malawi High Court decision to halt her adoption of three-year-old Malawian girl Chifundo “Mercy” James. The hearing will take place behind closed doors, but the results likely will be reported quickly.
Madonna’s lucky star was not shining on her this weekend.
[Janet Mayer / PR Photos]
She suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized in Long Island after falling off a horse on Saturday. M’s publicist released this statement:
“Madonna who was thrown off a horse earlier today has just been released from Southampton Hospital with minor injuries and bruises…The accident occurred when the horse Madonna was riding was startled by paparazzi who jumped out of the bushes to photograph the singer who was visiting friends on Eastern Long Island over the weekend. Madonna will be having further tests and continues to remain under observation by doctors.”
If the paparazzi were on private property, Madonna should press charges for trespass!
Everyone knows that Madonna’s effort to adopt four-year-old Mercy James has not been a Holiday, so she wants her fans to know they have provided her with a Ray of Light.
[Pixplanete / PR Photos]
The pop superstar released this statement over the weekend:
“I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible. 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.”
Popsquire loves statements that do not publicly discuss legal issues while simultaneously discussing said legal issues in public. Well done, Madonna.
A Malawi judge ruled today that Madonna cannot take custody of three-year-old orphan Chifundo “Mercy” James, because Malawian law dictates that the multi-hyphenate star reside in the country 18 to 24 months prior to an adoption. Apparently, precedent doesn’t matter in Malawi — this rule was waived in 2006 when Madonna was allowed to take David Banda to London before his adoption was finalized in 2008.
PS: Who is going to live in Malawi for 18 to 24 months? If this country wants to facilitate adoptions, they should consider changing this law.
After attending an hour-long, closed-door court hearing this morning in Malawi, the judge adjourned the session on Madonna’s temporary adoption of three-year-old Mercy James until Friday. Mercy has been living in the same orphanage where David Banda was born since her 18-year-old mother died shortly after giving birth.
Madonna’s anticipated testimony: “Your honor, Open Your Heart to me. I Cherish this little girl. Don’t get Hung Up on the fact that I’m a single mother. Mercy’s life with me will be one big Holiday. Everybody knows I’m a good mom.”
For today’s collision between pop culture and Malawi law, an official at the Malawi welfare department confirms that Madonna has filed adoption papers.
[Pixplanete / PR Photos]
She is expected to visit the African country this weekend, and a court could hear the adoption case as early as Monday. It can be difficult to adopt an international child as a single parent, so Popsquire wishes M lots of luck!
For today’s collision between pop culture and Jewish law, Madonna dressed up like a school girl (Britney Spears, anyone?) for the NYC Kaballah Center’s Purim celebration last night.
An anonymous European buyer paid $37,500 for a full-frontal, nude photo of a 20-year-old Madonna at a Christie’s auction yesterday. So, how is it legal to sell naked pics of Madonna without her permission?
The answer: Just because Madonna is in the picture, doesn’t mean she owns it. Generally, the photographers own all rights to pictures they take, which mean they decide when, where and to whom to sell the pics. Of course, if Madonna actually cared, she likely could have paid more than anyone else!
Just two days after Liz Rosenberg confirmed a Madonna/Guy Ritchie $76 million divorce settlement, the former couple released this statement:
“A misleading and inaccurate statement, specifically in relation to the sums of money involved, was wrongly issued to AP this week.The financial details of the settlement will remain private, save to say that both of us are happy with our agreement. Our primary concern, like any co-parents, is the care and well being of our children.”
Like a good lawyer, Popsquire has analyzed this statement and is reading between the lines:
Most settlement agreements require both parties to agree to public statements. Liz may not have gotten Guy’s permission before issuing Monday’s confirmation!
This statement does not include a denial that Guy received money. It simply says the amount was misleading and inaccurate. Madonna is a perfectionist, so maybe Liz was off by a few pounds?
Several weeks after Popsquire reported this story, Liz Rosenberg now confirms that Madonna and Guy Ritchie have reached a settlement in their divorce, including a payout to Guy of at least $76 million. Taking into account the value of the couple’s UK mansion, the figure might go as high as almost $92 million.
Considering how much Deeper and Deeper Madonna could have been forced to go into her pockets without a prenup, she’s getting a good deal!
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