Father: No idea about Madonna adoption
Madonna's adoption has sparked controversy
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Sunday, 22, Oct 2006 02:07
The saga over Madonna's adoption of an African child has taken a dramatic twist after the boy's father revealed he never intended his son to be adopted.
Yohana Banda said he wanted the pop superstar to raise 13-month-old David on his behalf and claims he did not realise Madonna wanted to fully adopt his son.
His statement conflict with remarks last week when he hit back at human rights groups in Malawi that have taken Madonna's adoption to the courts.
In an interview in his home village of Lipunga, Mr Banda said he did not understand the paperwork.
"Had they told us that Madonna wanted to adopt my son and make him her own son, we would not have agreed to that," he said in his local language of Chichewa.
"It would have been better for him to continue staying at the orphanage because I see no reason why my child should be given away forever when I can feed him," he added.
Madonna, 48, was granted temporary adoption by Malawi authorities to take David to London, a move which has caused uproar among human rights groups.
The high court in Lilongwe will hear the case lodged by the Human Rights Consultative Committee, which involves 67 groups, who argue international adoption is forbidden in Malawi.
The superstar has reportedly splashed out £15,000 on toys and decorations for David's nursery including designer clothes, a rocking horse and an electric car worth £5,000.