This quote entirely supports the allegations of this issue, that anyone whom acquires large amounts of money, is usually presented with the benefit of power.
Never the less, I would personally say that Madonna’s celebrity status has had an impact on the amount of bias involved.
In comparison to Ewan McGregor’s recent Mongolian adoption, it is lucid that Madonna’s adoption has undergone immense scrutiny- where as Ewan McGregor has been offered nothing but appraisal.
This can be supported by the content of national newspaper and media reports.
In a recent people magazine interview with Ewan McGregor, nothing was at hand but positive comments; on the future upbringing of the child, his lifetime achievements, and parental instincts. They quoted;
“Ewan McGregor has taken someone under his wing in real life” and
“McGregor is known for keeping his family life, especially his children, quite private and away from the media.”
I believe that this was used to contradict Madonna’s extremely broadcasted adoption, and can substantiate this opinion with the ‘fly on the wall’ account of the deportation of baby David.
Heat Magazine, provides such a detailed account. They emphasize David’s journey, articulating the absence of Madonna, and the way he was ‘bundled into a jet’ with her entourage. The manipulation of these words seem to encourage the theory of an illegal adoption; making it all seem like more of a kidnapping.
Never the less, the circumstances of Madonna and Ewan’s adoptions are surprisingly comparable; they suddenly dropped by foreign countries, and immediately decided to adopt.
Perhaps the bias is a result of the unconfirmed legalities of Madonna’s actions, or just because her celebrity eminence seems far more prevailing than Ewan McGregor to some people. However, it is all a matter of personal opinion.
Therefore, it is not always unproblematic to determine what is accurate and what isn’t. Some people believe that the adoption was just to follow what seems to be latest celebrity trend, and others believing that it is a genuine blessing for Madonna, who obtained no role in any illegal agreements with the Malawian government by any means.
This belief is actually verified by a senior Malawian government official;
"We explained every detail and Madonna herself explained her intentions in the face of the judge and in Banda's presence," Kilembe said. "He (Banda) was asked several times in court if he understood what was going on and he said he did." And also;
"We have been monitoring her and so far we see a loving mother in Madonna and David is very fine... the father should not be worried."
- Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare of Malawi, Adrina Mchiela, in a statement released Friday.
However, even celebrities who have adopted a baby themselves from foreign countries are quick to criticize;
"Personally, I prefer to stay on the right side of the law. I would never take a child away from a place where adoption is illegal. Madonna knew the situation in Malawi, where he was born. It's a country where there is no real legal framework for adoption.” – Angelina Jolie.
I believe that Madonna was merely trying to create a better life for David, but think that she would have been better sponsoring an adoption, where legalities were not challenged, unlike her own adoption. By doing this, she could have not only benefited the life of a child, but also allowed him to be raised peacefully; not under the constant fixation of the public eye.
The intricacy of this matter is not just about the influence of money, but also the perception of power and importance. It is clear to say that it results, more often than not, in vast criticism and denigration.
"Personally, I prefer to stay on the right side of the law. I would never take a child away from a place where adoption is illegal. Madonna knew the situation in Malawi, where he was born. It's a country where there is no real legal framework for adoption. I have been horrified by the attacks she's been subjected to. All that should count is the happiness of her little David."
"We have been monitoring her and so far we see a loving mother in Madonna and David is very fine... the father should not be worried."
- Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare of Malawi, Adrina Mchiela, in a statement released Friday
A senior Malawian government official on Monday dismissed as untrue remarks by an illiterate father who said he was misled into signing over his son for adoption by pop diva Madonna.
But his comments were categorically denied by Penson Kilembe, director of child welfare in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, who told Reuters the ministry explained every detail of the process to Banda and his family.
"We explained every detail and Madonna herself explained her intentions in the face of the judge and in Banda's presence," Kilembe said. "He (Banda) was asked several times in court if he understood what was going on and he said he did."
