FameCrawler : lourdes leon

Madonna's Commitment Ceremony With Jesus, 22

Sassy Smith — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Madonna, 50, and Jesus Luz, 22, have been an on-again-off-again to back-on item and now the couple are planning a "commitment ceremony" in New York. Why? Is Madonna hoping this will help in her bid to adopt Mercy?

According to sources, Madonna and Jesus will take part in a service in front of a rabbi at the Kabbalah Center in Manhatten. Jesus has already converted from Catholicism to Kabbalah to show Madonna he's serious about their relationship.

A source said, "They are totally besotted with each other and he’s really helped Madonna through this tough time.

"It wasn’t that the relationship went off the boil, it was more a matter of Madonna wanting to concentrate on her adoption bid of Mercy and they wanted to keep a low profile while that became the main focus.

"Madonna was devastated when the adoption was rejected the first time but now she wants to lavish some attention on Jesus and she’s keen to make sure they have a solid relationship for all the children’s sakes."

Pals say Madonna's children - Lourdes, 12, Rocco, 8, and David, 3 - have accepted Jesus.

The source added, "Lourdes mocks him by calling him The Babysitter, because he is so young. She likes him, but also likes winding him up."

Does Madonna believe this commitment ceremony with Jesus will help her appeal to adopt Mercy? The man claiming to be Mercy's dad, James Kambewa, has questioned the pop star's morality. He said:

"I don't think Madonna is a model mum. I have seen her in movies of her songs. She doesn't portray good morals.

"How can a woman of 50 dance almost naked on stage? I wouldn't want my daughter to grow up like that! In Malawi women respect themselves. Cultured women do not go about half-naked.

"I also heard after her marriage failed she is already seeing two men, both very younger than her and her ex-husband. I hear one of them is even less than half her age.

"That's scandalous. How can a normal woman fall for a boy who can as well be her son? No, spare my Mercy that scandal."

I'm not sure if this will help or harm Madonna's quest for Mercy. It sort of creeps me out that she likes such a young guy - maybe because I have a 22-year-old son and can't ever imagine being attracted to someone that young!

[Source]

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Madonna Sets Up Trust Fund For Mercy

Madonna Too Immoral To Adopt, Says Mercy James' Father

Madonna Sets Up Trust Fund For Mercy

Sassy Smith — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:08:00 GMT

Although Madonna's bid to adopt Malawian tot Chifundo "Mercy" James was denied (the singer is appealing), she still wants to take care of the child and has set up a trust for the four-year-old.

From ShowbizSpy:

The singer’s application to adopt Chifundo “Mercy” James was rejected last month, after a judge said she had not met residency requirements. The 50-year-old superstar is currently appealing the court’s decision.

Madonna is said to be worried that a man called James Kambewa is now claiming to be the four-year-old’s real dad, and is keen to raise her.

However, the Holiday hitmaker is still keen to provide for Mercy — whatever the outcome of her appeal.

"Madonna loves Mercy," a source told British tabloid the News of The World. “She wants to be part of her life and provide for her.

"She wants to make sure Mercy has everything she needs in life and her dreams are fulfilled."

The trust fund will pay for Mercy’s schooling and travel even if the ruling that she can’t adopt her still stands.

Madonna said of the little girl she hopes to raise, "I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible. And it's my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country."

She added, "Though I have been advised that I cannot publicly discuss the pending appeal regarding my desire to adopt Mercy, I do want to say how much I appreciate the level of support that I have received from the people of Malawi and my friends around the world."

[Source]

Madonna Moving To Malawi For Mercy?

Madonna Too Immoral To Adopt, Says Mercy James' Father

Josh loposer — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

On the heels of rumors that Madonna has swine flu, Mercy James' biological father is going public with exactly what he thinks about Madonna's abilities as a role model.

Agreed, some of the things Madonna has said and done publicly -- like making out with train wreck Britney Spears -- don't exactly make her the beacon of moral rectitude. Still, dude, are you sure you want to rip on Madonna's code of ethics?

Last time I checked, you're the one who knocked up Mercy's mother, denied it, ran away, and didn't even send condolences when she died. At least, that's the story according to Mercy's grandfather.

Here's what the estranged father had to say about Madonna:

"I don't think Madonna is a model mum. I have seen her in movies of her songs. She doesn't portray good morals.

"How can a woman of 50 dance almost naked on stage? I wouldn't want my daughter to grow up like that! In Malawi women respect themselves. Cultured women do not go about half-naked.

"I also heard after her marriage failed she is already seeing two men, both very younger than her and her ex-husband. I hear one of them is even less than half her age.

"That's scandalous. How can a normal woman fall for a boy who can as well be her son? No, spare my Mercy that scandal."

Source | Photo

More Madge Controversy: Mercy In Hiding As Gramps Comes Forward

Josh loposer — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:00:00 GMT

It appears that Madonna's attempt to adopt Mercy has gotten even more freaking complicated as: the biological father has come out of the woodwork, Mercy has gone into hiding, and Mercy's grandfather is speaking out.

Madonna opened up about her failed adoption this weekend, but apparently she wasn't the only one who felt the need to sound off regarding the fate of Mercy James. A man claiming to be her biological father has arrived on the scene and claims that he wants to be reunited. Nobody's sure just yet what he's angling for, or how intends to get it, but here's what Mercy's grampa had to say:

"When my precious daughter became pregnant we were so disappointed with her. She had been doing well at school and we had to take her away from her studies. There was disgrace for us in the pregnancy, but this boy could have made things acceptable by marrying her and taking responsibility. Instead, he denied he was the father. He was a coward who ran away. When our daughter died after Mercy was born, this wretched boy sent no message of condolence. He is the last person we want to see now."

Madonna, who is still pursing an adoption of Mercy has reportedly asked that Mercy be moved to a secret location in order to elude the "father" while things get sorted out.

Whoa, things are really starting to get all cloak and dagger. With the return of the delinquent father, Madge's lawyers hope that the courts will be persuaded to accept an appeal on their earlier ruling.

Source | Photo

Madonna Talks Publicly About Mercy For The First Time

Sassy Smith — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:08:00 GMT

Madonna has spoken out for the first time since her bid to adopt Mercy James was denied. Although heartbroken, she isn't going to give up and has filed an appeal.

Madonna said, "I want to provide Mercy with a home, a loving family environment and the best education and healthcare possible. And it's my hope that she, like David, will one day return to Malawi and help the people of their country."

Madonna, 50, was successful in 2006 with her adoption of David Banda, now 3, from Malawi, and she hopes she'll soon have Mercy as well.

The pop star is rumored to be building a home in Malawi - it would put her one step closer to being able to adopt Mercy.

[Source]

Related Posts:

No Mercy For Madonna: Adoption DENIED!

Madonna's Mercy Cries "Where's My Mummy?"

Madonna's Adoption in Malawi is a GO!

Madonna is a Slave Driver

Madonna Moving To Malawi For Mercy?

Sassy Smith — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:08:00 GMT

Madonna was left furious and upset after her bid to adopt Chifundo Mercy James, 4, was denied, but now the 50-year-old pop icon is going to prove just how serious she is about wanting the little girl. The Material Girl is reportedly building a home in Malawi.

According to Malawi's international adoption laws, prospective parents must be permanent residents of the country for at least 18 months - so Madonna is going to build a home there.

Madonna has reportedly asked her architects to draw up plans for a home so she'll be one step closer to adopting Mercy. As well, she believes son David Banda, 3, would benefit from spending time in the country where he was born.

A source said, "Madonna has a big, beautiful plot of land over there already. She's planning to build a girl's school in the Chinkhota village and those designs are well under way.

"But she's gone back to the designers and asked if they could accommodate a family home on the plot or on adjacent land."

What will Lourdes and Rocco think about moving there? Although, they are kids who are used to traveling quite a bit, so maybe they'll love it!

[Source]

Related Posts:

No Mercy For Madonna: Adoption DENIED!

Madonna's Son Didn't Recognize His Dad

Madonna's Mercy Cries "Where's My Mummy?"

Madonna's Adoption in Malawi is a GO!

Madonna is a Slave Driver

Madonna's Mercy Cries "Where's My Mummy?"

Sassy Smith — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:06:00 GMT

Madonna, who recently traveled to Malawi, hoping to adopt Chifundo "Mercy" James but was denied, is back in the US, and now little Mercy doesn't understand where her "Mummy" is.

Mercy is said to be "inconsolable" after Madonna left and is asking, "Where's my Mummy?"

The tot is also missing Madonna's kids, according to Annie Chikhwaza, who runs the Kondanani Children's Home orphanage.

Chikhwaza said, "She couldn't understand where Lola, David and Rocco had gone. She thought they were playing hide and seek. It broke my heart to see her crying out for David, as they'd become inseparable."

Madonna, not one to give up, has filed an appeal and will fight for Mercy.

I'm still undecided if I'm for or against Madonna adopting this child but I will say this: It would have been a good idea to have all "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed before telling this child that she's got a new mom and new siblings, because now her little heart is broken, and I'm sure she's feeling abandoned all over again.

I don't know if it's Madonna's fault for perhaps assuming she had the adoption of Mercy wrapped up or if she was given the green light by the Malawi goverment officials or if it was miscommunication on both parties but now a young girl is left confused and upset, wondering where her [new] family has gone.

[Source|Photo]

Related Posts:

No Mercy For Madonna: Adoption DENIED!

Madonna's Mercy (PHOTOS)

Madonna is a Slave Driver

Madonna's Malawi Adoption Controversy

Madonna's Mercy (PHOTOS)

Sassy Smith — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:09:00 GMT

The Material Girl is one step closer to finalizing the adoption of 4-year-old Mercy from Malawi. Madonna, daughter Lourdes, 12, and son David Banda, 3, were spotted walking with little Chifundo "Mercy" James.

*Update* Madonna's bid to adopt Mercy has been DENIED. Details here.

From The Sun via BCK:

The Queen of Pop was pictured with Mercy for the first time [March 31, 2009] as authorities began finalising the adoption arrangements. Four-year-old Mercy held the hand of new sister Lourdes, 12, as she enjoyed her first family outing. They were surrounded by a posse of minders, but Mercy — wearing a blue dress — was seen laughing and smiling as she joined her new family.

More photos at the source.

[Source]

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Madonna's Adoption in Malawi is a GO!

Madonna's Son Didn't Recognize His Dad

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Madonna's Malawi Adoption Controversy

No Mercy For Madonna: Adoption DENIED!

Sassy Smith — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:34:00 GMT

Madonna was hoping to adopt four-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James from Malawi. And although it looked like it was a go, unfortunately her bid to have Mercy as part of her family has been denied by a Malawi judge. Madonna is said to be "furious."

Madonna's lawyer was "confident" that everything would go as planned, however, because she's not a permanent resident of Malawi, she's unable to adopt Mercy James.

The ruling said, "Put simply courts do make law by the process of precedence and Miss Madonna may not be the only international person interested in adopting the so-called poor children of Malawi.

"By removing the very safeguard that is supposed to protect our children the courts by their pronouncements could actively facilitate trafficking of children by some unscrupulous individuals who would take advantage of the weakness of the law of the land.

"Anyone could come to Malawi and quickly arrange an adoption that might have grave consequences on the very children that the law seeks to protect.

"Having considered this then, at the end of the day I must decline to grant the application for the adoption of the infant CJ."

Friends say Madonna is "spitting blood" because she's so angry by the decision.

The judge said, "According to information from global media the petitioner jetted into the country just days after making the application.

"I take judicial notice of the reports in the media that the last time that the Petitioner was in the country was in 2008 at the time of the final adoption order for David Banda.

"In my considered opinion this would completely remove the Petitioner from the definition of a resident as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary."

Madonna said, "I am able and willing to securely provide for Chifundo James and make her a permanent and established member of my family. To deny Chifundo James the opportunity to be adopted by me could expose her to hardship and emotional trauma which is otherwise avoidable."

[Source]

Related Posts:

Madonna's Mercy (PHOTOS)

Madonna's Adoption in Malawi is a GO!

Madonna's Son Didn't Recognize His Dad

Madonna is a Slave Driver

Madonna's Malawi Adoption Controversy

Madonna's Son Didn't Recognize His Dad

Sassy Smith — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Madonna and her children, including adopted son David Banda, 3, are in Malawi so the 50-year-old pop singer can finalize the adoption of four-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James. While there, David was able to visit with his biological father Yohane Banda, but the tot didn't know who he was.

David and Yohane spent about three hours together - it was the first time since 2006 - but the little boy didn't recognize his bio father. Yohane was stunned that David didn't know who he was or that he couldn't speak his native language.

Yohane said, "He asked me in English who I was and what I do. When I told him, 'I am your daddy' he looked surprised. We spent three hours together... he played with my nose and although he did not know who I was he asked me lots of questions.

"David is quite chatty and intelligent. He asked whether I ride horses but I told him horses are for the rich. He asked me why I am poor. He said his mum likes riding horses and told me that one day he and his brother, Rocco, rode horses and fell. He said his mum spanked him because they are not supposed to ride on their own."

David also told Yohane he misses his nanny, who quit (or fired by Madonna... whichever rumor you believe). "He misses her a lot because she used to read him books. Nowadays he has different nannies and he doesn't like the situation."

The three-year-old spoke of his relationship with Guy Ritchie.

"He seems to like his daddy Mr Ritchie so much," said Yohana. "I was a sad Madonna broke up with him. I would have loved it if they sorted out whatever problems they had instead of divorcing because divorce is bad for kids.

"I sometimes shudder to think what would have happened to David if Madonna had not rescued him. I am really grateful to her for saving him from possible early death."

As for the adoption of Mercy, Madonna's rep confirmed the news. Liz Rosenberg said Madonna is indeed hoping to adopt Mercy James, 4. Mercy's mother, was 18 when she gave birth to the girl and she died shortly after - this according to the child's uncle, John Ngalande. Mercy's father is believed to be living, but has not had much contact with the child.

[Source|Source]

Breaking News- Madonna Filed Adoption Papers in Malawi

Madonna and Jesus - Still Going Strong?

Unclear if Madonna Will Have Mercy

sweatpantsmom — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:10:00 GMT

Madonna arrived in the African nation of Malawi on Sunday and it's rumored she is there to finalize her adoption of 3-year-old Mercy James. The singer brought kids Lourdes, Rocco and David along with her on the trip; looks like she's taking a break from babysitting Jesus Luz.

Lourdes accompanied her mom to Chinkhota Village, where Madonna has purchased a large plot of land to construct a girls' school. No word on whether it will have a pilates studio and a Kabbalah center, but either way not everyone is taking too kindly to the material girl swooping in and taking their land and their babies. Many residents are fearing their ancestral lands and crop fields will be razed to make way for the school. Esinati Nkhoma, a local mother of four says, "We are told to leave our gardens after this year's harvest; we are told our houses are to be pulled down – but nobody is talking about compensation. Where will we move to?"

And in what sounds like a conflict of interest, a senior government official said issues of compensation for the land are being handled by Raising Malawi, the charity established by...Madonna.

So I guess what we're all wondering is - will Madonna have mercy once she gets Mercy? Inquiring minds want to know.

Source

Madonna's Immoral Behavior Halts Adoption Plans

Sassy Smith — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:38:00 GMT

Madonna wanted to adopt another Malawian child - a girl - but those dreams may be squashed. Why? Madonna's flaunting of her 22-year-old boyfriend and her rumored relationship with (a then-married) A-Rod may have come into play.

Malawi officials have said Madonna's public flaunting of her boytoy Jesus Luz may have "negatively effected" her plans to adopt another child. The 50-year-old pop icon wanted to take home 3-year-old orphan, Mercy, but her questionable behavior put the brakes on the adoption from going forward.

A senior official -Simon Chisale - from Malawi's Ministry of Women and Child Welfare Development said, "Our official policy is that we do not encourage our children to be sent into broken homes.

"[Madonna's] relationships may negatively affect the adoption of Mercy. The news she is linked to another woman's husband and a young man less than half her age makes us question her morals.

"We do not only look at the material issues, but also the moral standing of prospective adoptive parents, because we do not want our children's morals to be corrupted."

Looks like Madonna's ridiculous behavior is finally catching up to her. You'd think she'd want to be a role model for the three children she is mother to. Seems like she's only concerned with the public viewing her as "hot" and "sexy" and "still young" because she's able to snag a 22-year-old or take another woman's man. Seriously, like we care. We get it Madge - you can grind your hips with the best of them. Perhaps she should be concerned with how her children view her. Now, a little girl's chance of having a good life may have been taken away - and it's Madonna's fault. Who do you suppose she'll blame for that?

[Source]

Madonna and Jesus Luz Get Religious

Madonna is the New Benjamin Buttons

Madonna's New Boyfriend's Young Sexy Ex Revealed! (Photos)

Sassy Smith — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:05:00 GMT

Madonna, 50, has been dating Jesus Luz, 22, and some are questioning why the music icon would be with someone so young - he's only 10 years older than her daughter Lourdes! Luz's ex-girlfriend, model Catharina Franca, has spoken out about the odd couple. She says Madonna has an "age complex" and refers to her as a "ridiculous old bag." Ouch!

Pics after the jump

Franca (pictured above) said, "When I heard about him and Madonna I couldn't believe it. I think the age makes a difference and it is ridiculous for her. It's like my mum with a boyfriend my age, or even my grandmother. I think it's very weird. She is a ridiculous old bag, jumping around on stage at her age."

The 18-year-old added, 'I think she has some kind of an age complex, she still thinks she is a young woman, she can't accept her age. I can't remember him ever speaking about her or listening to her music. She is famous but she is from a different generation altogether."

Jesus and Catharina dated for 18 months back in 2006, and she said they are still friends. "I think Madonna is just with him for the attention, to make someone else jealous. Maybe her ex-husband [Guy Ritchie] or somebody else."

She continued, "Jesus needs to think very well what he is going to do afterwards because she will find another boy toy. I think he could get very hurt because he is the kind of guy who gets very involved emotionally."

So, is Madonna just dating Jesus to "prove" to people that she's still hot enough to snag a 22-year-old? Or does she have real feelings for the much younger model? And, what about kids - Madonna is reportedly set to adopt another child from Malawi - does Jesus want to be a part of this or is this just a fling for him too? Twenty-two is really young to want to settle down with a ready-made family with a much older woman - actually a woman who is old enough to be his mom! Madonna is 13 years old than Jesus' mother. How does she feel about their relationship?

I wonder if Madonna's daughter Lourdes is embarrassed that her mom is with a guy so much younger - who is actually closer to her in age than her mom! I find it a bit creepy myself and she's not my mother.

[Source]

Madonna is the New Benjamin Buttons

Madonna and Jesus Luz Get Religious

sweatpantsmom — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:05:00 GMT

Madonna and her half-her-age-boyfriend Jesus Luz took time out from their busy schedules to take Madge's kids David and Lourdes to the Kabbalah center in NYC on Friday night. With Madonna converting all of her various boyfriends to the religion, I imagine there's going to be a shortage of red strings soon.

I'm sure Madonna was there to tend to her children's spiritual needs, but she may have also been trying to recover from the sting of being named one of PETA's worst dressed celebrities. The singer made the list because of her love of fur, and a source for PETA said, “When you see Madonna in fur, you realize why nobody has copied her style since 1984. We know she is on the prowl for a young cub, but someone needs to tell her that wearing fur doesn’t make you big.”

Ouch.

Source

A-Rod Will Be Home for the Holidays

sweatpantsmom — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:05:00 GMT

Looks like p-whipped Yankee Alex Rodriguez will be pulling himself away from Madonna's clutches to spend Thanksgiving at home with his wife, Cynthia and their two children.*sound of whip cracking*

The New York Post reported on Tuesday that Cynthia had sent an email to friends slamming Rodriguez for "abandoning his kids on Thanksgiving to be with Madonna" and then claimed that Madonna had "called and he ran on her command back to New York City." *sound of whip cracking even harder*

But a source close to A-Rod insists the Yankee had never planned to spend Thanksgiving with Madonna in the first place. "He's going to be with Cynthia and her entire family for Thanksgiving, and this has been planned for months," the source says. "It's quite a big celebration."

"They have a large family get together every year. It was always his intention to go to the family get together with her family, and it includes a whole array of relatives."

Wonder if Alex will be allowed to have any leftovers after his Thanksgiving feast? Stay tuned.

Source

(Almost) Like A Virgin: Happy 50th Birthday Madonna!

sweatpantsmom — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:10:00 GMT

Okay, maybe you can't even mention her in the same sentence as the word 'virgin', but I still say Madonna looks pretty good for a 50-year-old mother of three. The Material Girl celebrates her half-century mark today, and birthday tributes are all over the web.

MSNBC.com says the pop icon surpasses the Beatles in terms of her musical influence. (Although they quickly point out that it's her "impact on the course of pop music that bests the Fab Four, not her sociological importance, songwriting skills or recording innovations.")

People.com has a photo gallery of Madonna's looks over the years that makes me want to get out my torn stockings and rubber bracelets.

USmagazine.com shows us other actresses who have also recently celebrated the big 5-0. Some of them look as good as Madonna, and some of them look, uh, worse.

CNN.com even has an online poll titled, "Madonna Turns 50: Is She Better Than Ever?" Sorry, Madge, but the current results say 74% NO, and 26% YES. Better get Gwyneth and your other pals to log on and vote.

ET.com is reporting that the Birthday Girl and husband Guy Ritchie celebrated last night by attending a service at a Kabbalah center in England. Like A Prayer!

[photo: USmagazine.com]

Madonna Gets An Early Birthday Present

sweatpantsmom — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:05:00 GMT

Madonna, who turns 50 on August 16, got an early birthday present from her home state of Michigan - more than 500 fans sang "Happy Birthday" to her. That's Madonna there on the left.

The Material Girl is seen here at the Fourth Annual Traverse City Film Festival with founder Michael Moore. "You can take the girl out of Michigan but you can't take Michigan out of the girl," Madonna told the hundreds of fans gathered in a theater for the premiere of her documentary I Am Because We Are, about orphans in Malawi.

You know, I once had hundreds of people sing "Happy Birthday" to me, too. Well, actually it wasn't "Happy Birthday," it was "Take Me Out to The Ballgame." Okay, so it wasn't really just for me, it was being sung at a baseball game by hundreds of drunk fans trying to get on the JumboTron. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

Source

Madonna and Guy Ritchie Divorce Drama: Publicity Stunt!

sweatpantsmom — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:35:00 GMT

Madonna has officially earned the title 'Material Girl.' Amidst rumors that the singer has broken up Alex Rodriguez' marriage comes the revelation that Madge and husband Guy Ritchie may be using the drama surrounding their impending split as a way to generate ticket sales for her upcoming tour.

TMZ is reporting that the couple had already decided to officially split in November or December after the conclusion of her 'Sticky and Sweet' world tour and that the $300 million she's expected to earn has already been earmarked for their children's future. According to TMZ the plan would go down like this:

There is a whole PR strategy that has been in place for some time. We're told the Material Girl will be "very visible" in the months leading up to the tour to "generate a lot of publicity." That's when "news" of the marriage's demise would slowly leak out, causing tongues to wag -- and Madonna to be on the cover of papers and mags around the world.

The marriage, we're told, has been effectively over for some time. The couple are friends, and have realized that it is in both of their interests to make a pile of cash from this tour.

Well, at least they're doing it "for the children." $300 million will be able to buy those kids the best therapists in town.

Madonna Denies The Rumors

Alex Rodriguez Leaves Wife For Madonna?

A-Rod And Madonna, We're Just Friends. Yeah Right!

Source