Madonna's adoptive daughter's family has no legal right to see her: Lawyer
10 February 2011
Madonna's adoptive daughter's family has no legal right to see her: Lawyer
London, Feb 10 : Madonna's lawyer has said that the family of singer's
adopted daughter has no legal right to see the five-year-old.
The claim comes after James family, led by Mercy Chifundo James''
biological uncle Peter Baneti and grandmother Lucy Chekechiwa,
approached the Cicil Liberties Committee (CILIC) of leading human
rights campaigner Emmie Chanika to sue Madonna for breach of trust.
Chanika conceded no visitation rights were included in the adoption
agreement, which saw Mercy James leave Malawi for a new life with
Madonna, 52, two years ago.
She admitted there is no written agreement but insisted the family has
reasonable cause to push for the visitation.
"It was like a gentleman''s agreement," she said.
'They have a strong recollection that Ms. Madonna (sic) assured them
they would be able to see Mercy on a regular basis," she added.
Chanika said legal action would not be necessary if Madonna allows the
family to see James.
Madonna''s lawyer Alan Chinula has also denied claims that she
ever-promised regular visits.
"There was no such agreement," the Daily Mail quoted Chinula as saying.
--ANI
London, Feb 10 : Madonna's lawyer has said that the family of singer's
adopted daughter has no legal right to see the five-year-old.
The claim comes after James family, led by Mercy Chifundo James''
biological uncle Peter Baneti and grandmother Lucy Chekechiwa,
approached the Cicil Liberties Committee (CILIC) of leading human
rights campaigner Emmie Chanika to sue Madonna for breach of trust.
Chanika conceded no visitation rights were included in the adoption
agreement, which saw Mercy James leave Malawi for a new life with
Madonna, 52, two years ago.
She admitted there is no written agreement but insisted the family has
reasonable cause to push for the visitation.
"It was like a gentleman''s agreement," she said.
'They have a strong recollection that Ms. Madonna (sic) assured them
they would be able to see Mercy on a regular basis," she added.
Chanika said legal action would not be necessary if Madonna allows the
family to see James.
Madonna''s lawyer Alan Chinula has also denied claims that she
ever-promised regular visits.
"There was no such agreement," the Daily Mail quoted Chinula as saying.
--ANI