Everett defends Madonna's adoption

Rupert Everett has defended Madonna's decision to adopt a Malawian baby.

The ‘Hung Up’ star was forced to battle an onslaught of criticism when she adopted her son David Banda last October.

However, Everett, who starred alongside Madonna in the 2000 romantic comedy The Next Big Thing, insisted that the 48-year-old pop star was condemned unfairly, saying: "I think (Madonna's) been given a really rough deal about it. I think it's outrageous how she has been treated.

"Adopting a kid is adopting a kid. It's great. There's no question that it's better for him to be growing up in Madonna's family than in a Malawian orphanage."

Earlier today it emerged that Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie will face a five-day parenting assessment from Malawian adoption officials.