Madonna denies adoption rumours

Madonna's spokeswoman has quashed speculation that the singer is to adopt a second child from Malawi.

The Sun had reported that Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie were on "the very cusp" of adding three-year-old Mercy James to their family.

Malawian adoption minister Penstone Kilembe was quoted as saying: "Madonna's representatives have been visiting the girl. The adoption is now advanced. Then Mercy will be able to leave the country for a new life."

However, the popstar's representative Liz Rosenberg denied the claims, telling the New York Daily News: "I don't know how official the Malawian official can be because there are no plans for Madonna to adopt another child from Malawi. She is getting ready to start her tour in ten days."

She added: "I heard this same rumour a year ago. I don't know why it's back because it simply isn't true."

Madonna, who turns 50 on Saturday, adopted David Banda from Malawi in 2006. The arrangement was finalised in May.

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