Apologies for the delay, dear readers. The LiS offices were momentarily shut down to celebrate yesterday's truly momentous development in the world of international relations: David Banda has, at long, long last, been granted permanent residency in the warm maternal arms of Madonna. Oh happy, happy day for parenting!
For the past two years we, along with the rest of the world, have been on very painful tenterhooks about how this case would end. As we all doubtless remember, it was very touch and go, back in the yonder years of 2006. First she brings home a new baby from Malawi! But oh, then his inconvenient father, Yohane Banda, popped up to claim that this strange woman had made him sign papers he didn't understand! And then people were hating on her for bypassing red tape! Oh my gosh, what WILL transpire?
Well, thrillingly, yesterday afternoon Justice Andrew Nyrienda decreed that the multimillionaire pop star is a "perfect parent" and that the once seemingly quite anxious Yohane has agreed to "forfeit all visiting rights." I know, the tears are streaming down everyone's cheeks now, aren't they?
Now, there ain't no doubt that young David - hereon known as David Ritchie ne Banda, somewhat sadly - will probably have a materially nicer life in Holland Park than Malawi, and here at LiS we are ALL about the material.
But there are a couple of flies in our otherwise celebratory ointment.
Dear readers, consider the following statements from David's father:
""I gave Madonna 100% rights for my son. He is her son. It's because of her benevolent nature that she assured me she will not cut ties with me."
On plans for a celebration in Malawi to mark the adoption - "We wish David and his mum, new dad, sister and brother would join us. We are now family."
And with that touching display of sweet optimism, another celebrity saga draws to a satisfying, happy and heartwarming close.
