Charity to Madonna: Don't Adopt

A UK-based charity is asking Madonna to reconsider her plans to adopt another Malawian orphan, the BBC reports. Save the Children says orphans should be cared for by their extended families, and that being whisked away by a fabulously wealthy foreign pop star was “not a solution.” Mercy James, Madonna’s intended adoptee, has a grandmother, who likewise wants the Material Girl to stay away.

“Why doesn’t this singer pick other children? It is stealing,” Lucy James told the Sun. “I want to go to court, I won’t let her go.” Of course, Lucy herself isn’t willing to care for 4-year-old Mercy until she turns 6, something the orphanage isn’t happy about. “They want to find a better education and home for Mercy,” said Lucy. “But I am sticking to the initial agreement that Mercy will return home to me.” (More Madonna stories.)