Monday, 6 April 2009

Guy Ritchie offers support after Madonna's failed adoption bid

Director describes his ex wife as "a great mum"

Madonna and Guy divorced in 2008

British director Guy Ritchie called his ex-wife Madonna “a great mum” following news that the singer's bid to adopt a second child from Malawi was rejected Friday.

Ritchie, 40, father to the couple's son Rocco, 3, and David Banda, 3 – the Malawian boy he and Madonna officially adopted in 2008 – issued a statement through his rep saying: “I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened that her application has been rejected. She is motivated only by being a caring parent who seeks to share some of the advantages and opportunities that her life has given her.”

A judge in Malawi blocked Madonna’s attempt to adopt Mercy James, 3, citing a residency rule for prospective parents that requires they spend from 18 to 24 months in the country (that requirement was waived for Madonna’s first adoption).

Madonna, 50, has filed an appeal to the ruling.

Ritchie, who divorced the singer in 2008 after eight years of marriage, also said of his ex-wife: ”Madonna is a fantastic and loving mother who cares deeply about her own children, and children who may need additional help and support.

“This time it did not work out, but there will be other opportunities and I wish her well in them. She is a great mum.”