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Angelina Jolie Speaks about Madonna`s Adoption

The Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie commented on the scandal caused by Madonna`s adoption of a Malawian orphan. Jolie, who is married to actor Brad Pitt, are one of Hollywood`s most glamorous couples. There family consists of baby daughter Shiloh, adopted Ethiopian daughter Zahara and adopted Cambodian son Maddox, so she is not an outsider to the world of adoption.

Madonna and her husband, British director Guy Ritchie, filed adoption papers for David Banda, a Malawi baby, on October 10, 2006, during a visit to the country they called a humanitarian mission. Once they left on October 16, public controversy broke out, raising questions regarding the legitimacy of the adoption. Malawi law generally requires adopting parents to live in the country for at least a year before allowing an adoption. Madonna appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in an attempt to win public legitimacy.

Jolie said she was "horrified by the attacks against her (Maddona)," adding that: "Madonna knew the situation in Malawi ... In this country, there is not really a legal framework for adopting. Personally, I prefer staying on the right side of the law. I would never bring back a child from a country where adoption is illegal." The current situation regarding David Banda Mwale Ciccone Ritchie, as Madonna`s adopted son is now called, is that he will remain with Madonna for the next 18 months. During this time Malawian officials will survey his progress and ultimately decide whether or not the child will remain with them in the future.