ONLY ON RADAR: Expert Weighs In On Madonna’s Adoption Chances
Apr. 6 2009, Published 10:06 a.m. ET
The emergence of Mercy James’ father in Malawi could end superstar Madonna’s attempt to adopt the three-year old, RadarOnline.com has learned. Security guard James Kambewa, 24, has gone public since the performer jetted-out of the impoverished African nation claiming that he is now ready to play a part in his daughter’s life. The biological father fled in disgrace after Mercy’s mom Mwandida fell pregnant when she was just a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Tragically, she died eight days after giving birth to her daughter who was then placed in an orphanage after her grandmother could no longer look after her.
Now, international child advocacy expert Randi Thompson told RadarOnline.com Online that the child’s father’s sudden appearance could supplant the 50-year-old ‘Material Mom’s’ final appeal to adopt Mercy and take her to America.
The CEO of KIDSAVE said: “Clearly, this man coming forward could impact Madonna’s case as she tries to adopt this child. If Malawi was in the Hague Convention then under international law it’s each country’s duty to try and place a child back with their biological parent in their own country. Malawi is not a member country, so, the rules are different. However, any judge will look into the background of this father in Madonna’s case to see if his motives are honorable with regard to his daughter.”
“I do not think that Madonna’s intentions are bad as she has done a lot of great charity work for Malawi and she’s a good mom but it looks like the situation is getting messy,” he continued.
James Kambewa currently lives in a one room hut in Malawi with two friends and he claims that Mwandida’s family prevented him from seeing his daughter. Kambewa claimed, “I’m longing to hear more about Mercy. I was not allowed to see her and now I am determined to make-up for that. Her family was very angry with me when Mwandida became pregnant. My own relatives advised me to leave town. It was a big scandal – both of us were in disgrace. Now I hear that my little girl will be famous, and best of all I can form some bond with her at last.”
Malawi High Court Judge Esme Chombo ruled against Madonna’s first adoption attempt at a hearing on April 3 claiming that she did not meet the country’s “residency status” requirements. Her lawyer Alan Chinula immediately filed a notice of appeal – a date for the appeal has yet to be set.