Madonna Speaks About Malawi Adoption

Madonna is currently in Cannes to promote her new documentary I Am Because We Are, a film which tells the story of children in Malawi. So there seemed no better time to speak out about the controversy surrounding her not-quite-finalized adoption of David Banda.

“It was painful and it was a big struggle and I didn’t understand it.  But in the end, I rationalized that when a woman has a child and goes through natural childbirth, she suffers an enormous amount … So I sort of went through my own kind of birthing pains with dealing with the press on my front doorstep accusing me of kidnapping or whatever you want to call it,” she explained.

Madonna also dismissed speculation that David’s father, Yohane Banda, does not support the adoption. She said he “absolutely agreed” David should live in London with the Ritchie family, adding the process was complicated by Malawi’s adoption laws.

“There is just a lot of bureaucracy and administration and papers that have to be gone through.  [David's] adoption was the beginning of the creation of adoption law in Malawi. I’m the template, a role model for the future … I went to Malawi thinking I was going to save children’s lives and make a big difference in their lives, and hopefully I have. The surprise to me was how much they changed me,” she said.

I’m sure Madge’s going to be one relieved woman when this is all over!

Image source: Newscom