Madonna to adopt

Showbiz

13:30 05 October 2006

Madonna is to adopt an African orphan, according to the Malawi government.

The 'Hung Up' singer flew to the African country yesterday (04.10.06) and, according to government spokeswoman Adrina Michiela, she chose a one-year-old boy from a shortlist of 12.

Michiela said: "She asked us to identify boys only, which we have done after visiting four orphanages in Lilongwe."

Michiela also claimed Madonna - who has a nine-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her relationship with fitness instructor Carlos Leon, and son Rocco, five, with her husband Guy Ritchie - had originally wanted to adopt a girl but changed her mind two weeks before her visit.

However, Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, has denied the pop superstar is set to adopt an underprivileged orphan.

Rosenberg said: "I can confirm Madonna is in Malawi on a private visit. She is building an orphanage and child care centre and is involved in other initiatives geared toward helping children orphaned by AIDS through the Raising Malawi organisation.

"She has not adopted a baby, despite reports that she has."

During their stay, Madonna and her director husband will help launch the Network of Organisations for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children.

The 48-year-old singer has previously spoken about her plans to raise £1.6 million for the Malawi projects.

She said: "Now that I have children and now that I have what I consider to be a better perspective on life, I have felt responsible for the children of the world."

All proceeds from the singer's new children's book will go to the Raising Malawi organisation.

(C) BANG Media International