Madonna praised by ex for parenting skills

GUY RITCHIE said he was sad to hear Madonna's bid to adopt a second child from Malawi had been denied.

The singer was told by a judge in the southern African country that her application to adopt three-year-old Mercy James had been rejected.

Ritchie, 40, who divorced the Material Girl last November said he had been disappointed upon hearing the news.

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

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

"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."

Madonna and Ritchie adopted David Banda from Malawi in 2006, when a law requiring prospective parents to be resident in the country for 18-24 months was waived.