Ritchie 'saddened' over Madonna's adoption denial

Guy Ritchie says he's sad for ex-wife Madonna after being rebuffed in an attempt to adopt a second child. Photo / AP

Madonna's ex-husband Guy Ritchie has defended the singer after her failed bid to adopt another Malawian child, calling her a "great mum".

Ritchie offered the olive branch to his former missus after a Malawian judge denied her request to adopt three-year-old Mercy from the African nation.

The shattered singer, who was said to be quietly confident she would be taking Mercy home with her to the US, was left devastated after her lawyer broke the news to her on Friday.

What a Guy...

But within hours of the failed adoption attempt, Ritchie had issued a statement through his representative.

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

He added that he was "saddened" by the judge's refusal to allow Madonna to adopt the girl.

"I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened that her application has been rejected," his statement added.

"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," the statement concluded.

Madonna being Madonna, she isn't taking no for an answer: she's already filed notice that she will appeal the judge's ruling.

Her lawyer Alan Chinula told reporters, "I just filed the notice of appeal this afternoon on instructions from my client."

Nobody, but nobody, puts Madge in the corner.

BBB

*New - follow Blogger Bites Back on Twitter