Madonna could face lawsuit from Mercy's family

6 February 2011
Madonna could face lawsuit from Mercy's family

by Candy Bellinger, Feb 6th 2011

The family of Mercy James, Madonna's adopted daughter, are reportedly considering taking legal action against the Queen of Pop.

Mercy's Malawian family claim Madge agreed that they would have regular contact with the five-year-old but have neither seen nor heard from her since the adoption in 2009.

According to the Daily Mail, the family have now turned to civil rights group CILIC for help.

Emmie Chanika, director of CILIC, told the newspaper: "Mercy's family have met me several times over the past year and they have been very upset.

"They have a strong recollection of being told that they would be able to see Mercy and have regular contact with her - and that when she is an adult she will return to live with them in Malawi."

Mercy's 16-year-old mother died soon after childbirth and she was raised by her grandmother and uncles. But when they were no longer able to look after her, she was placed in the care of the Kondanani Children's Village, from which Madge adopted the little girl.

A lawyer is now reportedly "looking into" the case and the family hope to reach a "proper agreement" with the singer.

Meanwhile Madge is also facing criticism over her plans for a girls' school in Chinkhota, Malawi.

Two years ago, the press were on hand to capture the moment the pop superstar laid a foundation brick for the facility but apparently, building work has since ground to a halt.

However, a statement posted on Madge's Raising Malawi website said: "My original vision is now on a much bigger scale. I want to reach thousands not hundreds of girls.

"I want to do more and I want to do it better."

Ben Phiro, spokesman for Malawi's Ministry of Education, told the Mail: "Madonna has said she has changed her plans and wants to build community schools instead of the academy but we know nothing about this.

"Her lawyers ought to know better."

What do you think? Should Mercy have regular contact with her Malawian family? Leave a comment below...

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Madonna's daughter Lourdes has only recently been thrust into the spotlight, but check out the other famous mothers and daughters in showbiz..

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