Madonna battles adoption criticism

Madonna has spoken out for the first time about her adoption ordeal.

The singer has come under fire for adopting Malawian David Banda, as she is not a citizen of the country. However she claims she has followed all legal proceedings to the letter of the law, and is fully within her rights to adopt.

She stated her intention in the situation was "to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death. This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly."

There has also been speculation over whether the singer will be allowed to keep Banda, with so many regulations to be adhered to regarding overseas adoptions.