Charity with strings attached

Madonna visits Kondanani orphanage, on the outskirts of Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre. Photograph: AP

Pop superstar Madonna is better known for her crotch-grabbing antics than acts of philanthropy. Indeed the only charitable feat I recall her performing in recent years is helping to finish off her husband Guy Ritchie's film career by staring in the execrable Swept Away. So it's no surprise that reports of the Queen Mother of Pop following in the footsteps of one-woman-orphanage Angelina Jolie and adopting an African child have raised more eyebrows than her recent crucifixion.

Although Madge's official spokeswoman has now denied the story, today's Guardian reports that the singer has chosen a one-year-old boy from among 12 orphans specially selected by Malawian officials before she flew into the impoverished country on her private jet. A government spokeswoman said the star had initially wanted a girl but changed her minds two weeks ago. Perhaps orphaned girls are so last season.