Madonna Leaves Malawi
April 5 2009, Published 3:18 p.m. ET
Madonna left Malawi early today on a private plane, two days after a judge refused to allow the 50-year-old singer to adopt a 3-year-old orphan named Mercy James.
Security forces blocked the road leading to the airport after the pop superstar's convoy arrived, preventing reporters from speaking to her or taking pictures of her.
The plane was bound for London's Gatwick Airport, air traffic officials told the Associated Press.
Madonna threw a farewell party Saturday at the luxury lodge where she was staying. Traditional dancers entertained guests including government officials and staff from Madonna's Raising Malawi charity, according to the AP.
Although Madonna has now left the impoverished African country, she vows to continue her fight to adopt Mercy James and she is appealing the judge's ruling.
No date has been set for a court hearing to appeal the judge's ruling.
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(Photo:Splash News)