Madonna responds to adoption criticism

Madonna has confirmed that she is trying to adopt a second child from Malawi, but denied reports that she is using her fame to speed up the process.

In a statement, the singer confirmed speculation that she had travelled to Lilongwe to seek custody of a four-year-old girl called Chifundo 'Mercy' James, but dismissed claims that she is utilising bullying tactics to fast-track the arrangements.

Her spokesperson said that the popstar is "following all required procedures and is waiting for the judge to hopefully grant adoption by Friday".

The 50-year-old arrived in the country on Sunday along with her three children - Lourdes, 12, eight-year-old Rocco and adopted Malawian son David Banda, three.

The rep added that Madonna had taken David to visit his biological father for the first time since 2006 because she is "committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with [his] Malawian roots".

Yesterday, a Malawian court ruled that the adoption hearing be delayed until Friday but declined to give any further information.