Photo: Getty Images

Despite news yesterday that even the Malawi government supported Madonna's bid to adopt little Mercy James from an orphanage there, a court this morning ruled against her attempt. It was a residency requirement — that a prospective parent live in Malawi for 18 to 24 months before adopting the child — that ultimately got in the way. According to a witness, the judge said during the ruling that social workers need to look for more than "someone who just flies in and out" when looking for a fitting family. "I think the welfare of [Mercy] will be better served if she grows within the environment of the culture of Malawi." Madonna, who was not present at the ruling but was later told by her lawyer, is said to have been incredulous, and "kept wringing her hands." Oh! Now we don't know for whom to be sad!

Madonna's Adoption Request Rejected [People]