Madonna might have a problem

Of course, it's more than possible that the problems which are starting to multiply round Madonna's purchase of a Malawian not-quite-orphan will provide her with a handy backdoor to abandon the plan, getting the photo-op without having to deal with the downside of ripping a kid away from his extended family and plunging him into a gilded life of perpetually being prodded as 'Madonna's funtime African project kid'.

Or maybe it'll be a terrible blow to her as she tries to promote the new single and Christmas album sales.

British based adoption charities have questioned the speed of the "adoption", while Malwian charity Eye of the Child have announced they intend to take legal action to ensure that Madonna is made to complete the same adoption process as everyone else:

A spokesman said: "It's not like selling property. It is about safeguarding the future of a human being who, because of age, cannot express an opinion."

Officials in Malawi have indicated they'd normally expect someone to live in the country for up to two years before they'd consider them for adoption, but have made a special arrangement in Madonna's case. It's not clear if this special status is because she's rich, or because she's famous.

Madonna's mouth-person Liz Rosenberg seems convinced it's a done deal:

"Madonna and Guy have been granted custody of their son David. Final legal arrangements are being made to bring him home to his new family."

Mind you, it was only a week ago that Liz was denying any plans to adopt at all, so she's clearly being kept out the loop.

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