New controversy in Madonna adoption case
Madonna faces new controversy over adoption of Mercy
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Sunday, 28, Jun 2009 10:10
The grandmother of Mercy, the four-year-old girl adopted by Madonna, has claimed she wanted to raise the child herself.
Lucy Chekechiwa, the maternal grandmother of Chifundo "Mercy" James, said she had fought to keep Mercy, and only recently gave up her battle.
Speaking in a Channel 4 documentary, Madonna and Mercy: What Really Happened, to be broadcast on Monday, she said: "The initial agreement was that Mercy was to be kept in the orphanage for six years.
"After six years Mercy was supposed to be brought back here and then I would have taken care of her.
"The men insisted that Mercy be adopted and I won't resist anymore. I still love Mercy. She is my dearest."
Mercy's mother, Mwandida, died in childbirth and Mercy's father, James Kambewa, claims he was unaware the child was alive until he was found by journalists in April.
He has since said he would like to raise her himself.
It has also been alleged the star donated £12 million to Malawi, the impoverished southeastern African country, before courts would permit her to adopt the child.
The singer won custody of Mercy earlier this month. Madonna has already adopted another child, David, from Malawi.