REPORT: Judge Will Reject Madonna's Adoption Appeal

May 4 2009, Published 12:08 p.m. ET

Madonna's appeal over a decision barring her from adopting Mercy James, a 4-year-old girl, is going to be rejected, a Malawi Supreme Court official told The Mirror Monday.

Malawi's highest-ranking judge, Lovemore Munlo, will head a review panel that is going to dismiss the appeal, the source told the Web site.

A final decision isn't expected to be made public for a few days, but if this latest report is true, the ruling would be a heartbreaking loss for the 50-year-old superstar who was said to be in shock after her initial request to adopt Mercy had been rejected by a lower court.

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Madonna's Adoption Appeal Monday; Orphan's Dad Wants To Keep Girl

Madonna's adoption of her Malawian son, David Banda, in 2006 was aided after a residency requirement for prospective parents was waived; she has had no such luck getting the same rule waived in her second go-around.

"Mr. Munlo is no fool and is keen to show that Malawi law is not to be messed with," the source said. "It is certain this case will be thrown out when it is heard by the learned judge."