Madonna's Jesus fling may kibosh adoption: Morals questioned

Mar 24, 2009, 12:45 GMT

08/28/2001 - Madonna - The 50-year-old singer - who wants to open her home to three-year-old Malawian girl Mercy James - has been criticised by the African country\'s government officials following her divorce from Guy Ritchie.© Daniel Locke / PR Photos

Madonna's turbulent love life may prevent her adopting another child.

The 50-year-old singer - who wants to open her home to three-year-old Malawian girl Mercy James - has been criticised by the African country's government officials following her divorce from Guy Ritchie.

A senior official from Malawi's Ministry of Women and Child Welfare Development said: "Our official policy is that we do not encourage our children to be sent into broken homes. Madonna's relationships may negatively affect the adoption of Mercy."

The officials do not approve of her subsequent romances with married baseball Alex 'A-Rod' Rodriguez and 22-year-old model Jesus Luz.

The government representative is quoted by the New York Daily News newspaper as saying: "The news she is linked to another woman's husband and a young man less than half her age makes us question her morals."

Malawian officials are said to be furious after Madonna - who already raises 12-year-old daughter Lourdes and son Rocco, eight, along with adopted Malawian son David, three - flaunted her relationship Brazilian hunk Jesus in a steamy magazine photo shoot.

Malawi's Child Welfare Chief Simon Chisale is concerned Madonna's behaviour could "corrupt" a child and insists morality is vital to success in the adoption process.

Chisale said: "We do not only look at the material issues, but also the moral standing of prospective adoptive parents, because we do not want our children's morals to be corrupted."

Madonna recently revealed her plans to further expand her family, but admitted adopting in Malawi is a "big struggle".

The 'Miles Away' singer said: "Many people - especially our Malawian friends - say that David should have a Malawian brother or sister.

"It's something I have been considering. I would only do if I had the support of the Malawian people and the government."