Madonna’s Adoption Denied 

Despite having the support of the Malawian government and welfare minister, Madonna’s attempt to adopt four-year-old girl Mercy was shot down this morning in court. Turns out the pop singer is subject to residency requirements this time.

A judge who did not make the ruling but saw it and another lawyer present when the ruling was made said Madonna was rejected because of residency rules. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case.
Malawi adoption regulations require that prospective parents live in the southern African nation for at least 18 months.
The residency rule was waived in 2006, when Madonna was allowed to take her adopted son, David, to London before his adoption was finalized in 2008. It was not clear why Judge Esme Chombo ruled differently Friday. Another judge had handled Madonna’s previous adoption case.

Yes, there were two different judges, but why was Madonna allowed to adopt David then? She has never lived in Malawi. Hmm…interesting. Madonna has the option to appeal the decision, but it is currently unknown if she will choose to exercise that option.