Madonna's Mercy depression

Apr 16, 2009, 9:35 GMT

The singer has allegedly gone into a downward spiral since a court ruled against her adoption of four-year-old Mercy James from Malawi earlier this month, and friends are worried for her health. EPA/PETER FOLEY

Madonna is so depressed over her adoption rejection she has stopped eating and exercising.

The singer has allegedly gone into a downward spiral since a court ruled against her adoption of four-year-old Mercy James from Malawi earlier this month, and friends are worried for her health.

A source said: "She has abandoned her strict macrobiotic diet and is virtually eating nothing. She has even stopped training since she returned from Malawi and seems to be in a trance a lot of the time."

Madonna - who is a devout follower of Kabbalah, a mystical off-shoot of Judaism - has reportedly lost 5 lbs since the adoption was stopped and has struggled to keep her emotions in check while in public.

The source added to Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "Madonna attended a Passover dinner in London held by members of her Kabbalah faith and broke down in tears about Mercy.

"She looked wiped out, telling guests she felt weak from lack of sleep and exercise. She said she felt too low to train which, for her, is unheard of."

Madonna - whose ex-husband is film director Guy Ritchie - travelled to the African country in the hope of giving a home to Mercy at the end of March, but her application was rejected on the grounds she has not lived in Malawi for 18 months, as is required by law.

The 50-year-old pop star is appealing the court's decision in the hope Mercy can join her other children, Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight, and David Banda, three - who she also adopted from Malawi.

Madonna's friends have been rallying round the star to comfort her during this difficult period, and fashion designer Stella McCartney - the daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney - has been in constant contact.

The source added: "Madonna said Stella has given her a lot of 'girly' support.

"She has been telling her to eat during the two meals they've had together since Madonna returned from Malawi."