LONDON, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- U.S.-turned-British pop star Madonna denies special treatment in her adoption of a young Malawian boy and says she actually started the process months ago.
David Banda, 13 months, is at his new home in London with the singer, her husband Guy Ritchie, and their children, the BBC reported Wednesday.
"My husband and I began the adoption process many months prior to our trip to Malawi," Madonna said. "I did not wish to disclose my intentions to the world prior to the adoption happening as this is a private family matter.
She denied claims the adoption was fast tracked due to her celebrity status and said she went through the same legal steps as anyone else.
Calling reports of her special treatment "totally inaccurate," Madonna said her family now undergoing "an 18-month evaluation period after which time we hope to make this adoption permanent.
"This was not a decision or commitment that my family or I take lightly," she said.
