Biological Father Fights Madonna’s Adoption Appeal

By Sarah Harper

Published on May 07, 2009

John Kambewa, the father of Mercy, the 4-year-old Malawian child Madonna is fighting to adopt, has taken proactive measures to prevent the adoption. His actions could be a crushing blow to the star's hopes.

In his campaign against the adoption bid, Kambewa, 24, recently enlisted the assistance of the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC). Kambewa asserted, in a letter to the HRCC, that, although he has never seen the child, he would give her a good home. He also derided Madonna's morals and questioned her ability to be an effective parent - claims that could potentially override Mercy's immediate family's support of the adoption.

Kambewa's intervention is seen by some as inconsistent with his previous behavior. When Mercy's mother died, Kambewa denied responsibility for the child and disappeared. Mercy has lived in an orphanage since her mother's death.

Earlier this year, Malawian courts denied Madonna's adoption petition, since the star has not met the country's residency requirements for international adoptions. Madonna is scheduled to appeal the ruling next Monday.

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