guy ritchie praises madonna as great mum

A judge at Malawi's High Court in Lilongwe rejected the singer's application to adopt Mercy James, a four-year-old girl, ruling that the child should remain in her home country.

In a statement, Ritchie said: "Madonna is a fantastic and loving mother who cares deeply about her own children, and children who may need additional help and support.

"I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened that her application has been rejected. She is motivated only by being a caring parent who seeks to share some of the advantages and opportunities that her life has given her. This time it did not work out, but there will be other opportunities and I wish her well in them. She is a great mum."