Madonna traveled to Malawi this week in an attempt to adopt a three-year-old orphan, Chifundo "Mercy" James. Although the 50-year-old was allowed to adopt son David Banda from the country in 2008, a court has rejected her most recent application, citing a law requiring prospective parents to reside in Malawi for 18 to 24 months.

The judge stated:

An adopted child needs a suitable parent], not someone who flies in and out. I think the welfare of Chifundo will be better served if she grows within the environment of the culture of Malawi."