Madonna responds to critics, says adoption was within law

Madonna, 48, replied to complaints that she had circumvented Malawian law in the adoption of her 13 month old son David, who arrived in England earlier today. In a letter to the press, Madonna makes it clear that the adoption is not yet permanent, and will not be until she and Guy complete the 18 month evaluation period. The letter reads:

My husband and I began the adoption process many months prior to our trip to Malawi. I did not wish to disclose my intentions to the world prior to the adoption happening as this is a private family matter. After learning that there were over one million orphans in Malawi, it was my wish to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as expand our family.

Nevertheless, we have gone about the adoption procedure according to the law like anyone else who adopts a child. Reports to the contrary are totally inaccurate. The procedure includes an l8 month evaluation period after which time we hope to make this adoption permanent. This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly.

I am overwhelmed and inspired by my trip to Malawi and hope that it helps bring attention to how much more the world needs to do to help the children of Africa.

My heartfelt thanks for all the good wishes I have received and I hope the press will allow my family some room for us to experience the joy we feel to have David home.

Madonna Ritchie
October 17, 2006
London, England

On a completely superficial note, how odd is it to see her sign something with her last name? We’re so used to the one name wonder that is Madonna!

Source: CNN

Thanks to CBB readers Michelle, Maya, Mary Beth, Roise, and Alisha.

Comments

I sure hope it all works out for them. I really respect prople that adopt children!!! I am an adopted child myself!

- alicia on October 18th, 2006

I’m not sure what to feel–I mean, I was watching something on the news today, and there was a lady who was an adoption agent, or whatever they’re called, and she handles Malawian adoptions, and she was saying that Madonna did go through the proper channels, but that she was also getting calls from parents who were trying to adopt from Malawi and they were asking “Why can’t I have my child with me for 18 months and be evaluated like Madonna?” and my heart broke. It’s not fair. But at the same time, this child’s life will be vastly improved, and how can I condemn her for adopting him when it means sending a child back to circumstances where the chances of his death are significantly higher?? It’s a tough question.

- Nicole on October 18th, 2006

I do not care if the government or agency bent the rules for Madonna so that she could take David home before the 18 months were up.It means one less child is suffering for another 18 months. Yeah it sucks that other people have to wait this period but we should not be ridiculing Madonna for adopting a boy out of poverty. David is much better off with them in London than he was in the Orphange.

- Lorus on October 18th, 2006

I thought her real 1st name was something like “Maria Louisa” and “Madonna” was just her stage name.

- Heavenly_Hibiscus on October 18th, 2006

Congrats to the Richie family!!! As someone who has gone through the adoption process, it is a myriad of emotions that is so hard to describe!

I wish them lots of love and happiness with their new son.

- rebekalynn on October 18th, 2006

No doubt that this will enrich the baby’s life and her own. I just wonder why people don’t first try to adopt some of the orphans in this country? We have plenty of children who need homes right here.

- Jessica Bird on October 18th, 2006

I’m just a little worried about the fact that Madonna stated in quite a few interviews that her marriage wasn’t always going to well.

There where some rumours (and they can ofcourse be false) that there marriage might have been on the rocks.

I just hope this baby isn’t a “making up” baby.

I do wish all other people that where/are trying to adopt from the same country all the best!

- kim on October 18th, 2006

Madonna *is* her first name. Maria and Louisa are her two middle names, and Ciccone is her maiden name. Her mother was a very devout Catholic, and her daughter, Lourdes (Lola) is named after her mother’s favorite religious place, Lourdes, France.

- Natalee on October 18th, 2006

People turn to international adoption due to the domestic adoption process being so long and so protective of the birth parents as opposed to the adoptive parents. We looked into adopting domestically, but we were told it could take up to 3 years, that the parents had x amount of time to change their minds….domestic adoption is frightening to some people as there are cases, although rare from what I hear, of birth parents coming back and taking the child. Also, if the child isn’t born yet, the birth parents can change their minds. I have had friends who have had 3 or 4 birth mothers change their minds on them. I find it very sad that it is this way because I think there are alot of people that turn to international adoption because of the fear of this happening. That is why my husband and I did.

But I think it is wonderful that Madonna adopted this little boy…I just hope that she didn’t get preferential treatment b/c of who she is or her donation. That would be a shame for those parents waiting to adopt for longer time.

- DWS on October 18th, 2006

I am thoroughly disgusting by this adoption. I think adoption is a beautiful act but I am sickened that this child’s father is still alive and had to put the baby away because he is too poor to care for the child. Why couldn’t Madonna give the father money so this baby can stay with his biological father, family and culture???????? She is ripping a child away from a rich culture and blood relatives and it all boils down to money. She could write a check to the baby’s family and they would be set for life!

- Leah on October 18th, 2006

I saw a the baby on television a few minutes ago, he is absolutely adorable and I am happy for her!

- ike on October 18th, 2006

i have a problem that she adopted a child that already had a father. why break up a family like that? why did she not just give them money instead, or adopt an orphan? i think thats wrong.

- natalie on October 19th, 2006

Madonna was named after her late mother Madonna…
Madonna has no “Maria” in her name at all.
Madonnas LEGAL maiden name is Madonna Louise Ciccone. Her Catholic Confirmation name is Veronica…
So all together in Erika Kane fashion, Madonnas full name is:
Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone Penn Ritchie…
(why I have all this info in my head I dont know…Pathetic isnt it?)

- preesi on October 20th, 2006