Madonna has released a statement hitting back at the wave of criticism she’s received since adopting a baby from Malawi last week.

Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie received an interim adoption order for 13-month-old David Banda on Thursday and after waiting for his passport and visa to be processed, David was flown to his new home in London on Monday.

Children’s rights groups around the world have condemned the speed of the adoption process and a number of organisations in Malawi have grouped together to build a court case preventing Madonna and Guy being awarded permanent custody of the child.

In a statement released yesterday, Madonna explained that the process wasn’t as quick as it appears: “We have gone about the adoption procedure according to the law, like anyone else who adopts a child. Reports to the contrary are totally inaccurate. The procedure includes an 18-month evaluation period after which time we hope to make this adoption permanent.”

“This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly. I am overwhelmed and inspired by my trip to Malawi and hope that it helps bring attention to how much more the world needs to do to help the children of Africa.”

She also asked for media to “allow my family some room for us to experience the joy we feel to have David home.”

According to family members, the experience she has been through to adopt David hasn’t put her off trying again and she is considering another child from the same area. She told relatives: “I saw this child from the village with questioning dark eyes and the saddest smile. I thought ‘She looks just like me’. I told Guy ‘We must give this child a home too’.”

Regarding David himself, she added: “It’s so worth it. He’s just the best little baby ever. Guy and I have never been happier.”

David will be Madonna’s third child: she has a son, Rocco, with Guy and a daughter Lourdes from a previous relationship.

Madonna’s statement in full:

My husband and I began the adoption process many months prior to our trip to Malawi. I did not wish to disclose my intentions to the world prior to the adoption happening as this is a private family matter. After learning that there were over one million orphans in Malawi, it was my wish to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as expand our family.

Nevertheless, we have gone about the adoption procedure according to the law like anyone else who adopts a child. Reports to the contrary are totally inaccurate. The procedure includes an 18 month evaluation period after which time we hope to make this adoption permanent. This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly.

I am overwhelmed and inspired by my trip to Malawi and hope that it helps bring attention to how much more the world needs to do to help the children of Africa.

My heartfelt thanks for all the good wishes I have received and I hope the press will allow my family some room for us to experience the joy we feel to have David home.

Madonna Ritchie
October 17, 2006
London, England