Much controversy has surrounded Madonna concerning the adoption of 13-month-old Malawian boy, David Banda. However, David's father, Yohane Banda, has begged the singer to keep the child, and said that he supported her bid to take custody of his son.

He also said that he was not in agreement with the measures Malawian human rights groups have taken to prevent Madonna from keeping the child.

Human rights groups claimed that it was an illegal adoption that could amount to child trafficking. Malawian law does not permit foreigners to adopt children from their country and the custody of a child can only be granted to a Malawi citizen.

Madonna has also been criticised for adopting the baby boy as many felt that she should have adopted an orphan instead of a boy who still had family.

Two of David’s brothers had died from malaria while his mother passed away due to childbirth complications a week after he was born. Although David’s father and grandmother are still alive, the baby was put in the Home of Hope Orphan Care Centre near Zambia after his mother's death.

The pop star has fought off criticisms, saying she has done nothing wrong in adopting David. She added that though David was not an orphan, there was no one looking after his welfare.

Actress Angelina Jolie, who has adopted children of her own, admitted that Madonna did go about the adoption process the wrong way, "Madonna knew the situation in Malawi, where he was born. It's a country where there is no real legal framework for adoption.”

"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," she added. However, she believes that Madonna’s intentions were good and she should be given credit for that.

- CNA/ap/il