A court ruling has rejected Madonna's request to adopt a child, Chifundo "Mercy" James, from Malawi due to a residency requirement that calls for prospective parents to spend 18 to 24 months in the country. Chifundo (African for "Mercy") James.This law is part of the reason that the singer's adoption of David Banda, now three years old, caused controversy in 2008.

Madonna was allowed to take him from Malawi two years early, and many said she got special treatment because of her star power. The judge said at the hearing: [An adopted child needs a suitable parent], not someone who just flies in and out. I think the welfare of Chifundo will be better served if she grows within the environment of the culture of Malawi.

Madonna wasn't in the court room when the judge made the ruling, but according to People, she was "incredulous." A source at the Kumbali Lodge where she's staying told the magazine that she "kept wringing her hands." Surefire sign of anxiety. Never to be outdone, the singer's lawyer announced today that he's already filed an appeal.