Pop queen Madonna has spoken out for the first time about her controversial decision to adopt a year-old child from Malawi.
"It was my wish to help one child escape a life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as to expand our family,” she said shortly after David Banda arrived in the UK.
She has also revealed that she wants to adopt a daughter from the same village as David.
"I saw this girl with the saddest smile. I told Guy, we must give this child a home too," she is quoted as saying.
The superstar also answered growing criticism from charities and human rights groups that she bypassed the usual procedures for adopting a Malawian child.
"We have gone about the adoption procedure according to the law like anyone else who adopts a child,” she said.
"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 my family or I take lightly."
It’s reported that 50 human rights groups have filed court documents requesting the adoption to be stopped.
