Madonna’s adoption request thwarted

Madonna’s request to adopt a little girl from the African nation of Malawi has been denied, it was announced Friday.

The child Madonna wants to adopt is named Chifundo Mercy James. Conflicting reports have given her age as 3, 3 1/2 and 4.

I must have to decline to grant the application to Madonna, the BBC quoted Judge Esmie Chondo as saying in a ruling announced after a closed-door hearing.

The 50-year-old recording artist, who already is the mother of two biological children and a 3-year-old son she adopted from Malawi, was not in court to hear the ruling although she has been in Malawi since Sunday, the BBC said.

The single mom’s application reportedly was rejected because of residency rules.

The British broadcaster said it is unclear whether Madonna will appeal the decision.