Madonna Adoption Backlash Grows
March 31 2009, Published 8:00 a.m. ET
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?
Not if you're Madonna. Click here to see photographs of Madonna in Malawi.
On a trip to poverty-stricken African nation of Malawi in hopes of adopting a 4-year-old orphaned girl Chifundo James (whose name translates to Mercy), the 50-year-old pop star raised eyebrows with a few extravagant displays of her wealth. After arriving via a private Gulfstream V jet Sunday, according to the UK Telegraph, the singer continued to draw the ire of locals and journalists by wearing a $2800 ensemble consisting of a velour jacket and matching trousers.
The singer has faced opposition from those who allege she has attempted to buy a fast way through a complex and time-consuming adoption process in Malawi.
"We feel Madonna is behaving like a bully," Undule Mwakusungula, chairman of the Human Rights Consultative Committee, told the media. "She has the money and the status to use her profile to manipulate, to fast-track the process. Mercy James is a child who has her extended close family members alive and we urge Madonna to assist the child from right here."
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Click here to see photographs of Madonna in Malawi.