People: Maybe they could get a loaner?
Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie left the African country of Malawi on Friday, but without the 1-year-old boy they’re adopting.
Officials said the child’s departure was delayed while final legal arrangements were being made. He’s being cared for by members of Madonna’s entourage who stayed behind.
Meanwhile, a child protection organization contends too many corners are being cut for the pop star.
Boniface Mandere of Eye of the Child said Malawi’s laws do not allow international adoption unless the parents live in the country for a year, during which social welfare workers investigate their ability to care for a child.
“What Eye of the Child is saying is: You cannot buy a child as if you are buying a house,” Mandere said.
“This process is too short, applying on Tuesday, and yesterday the court gave the OK. … We are registering our concern and will seek clarification from the court, after which we will decide what action to take.”
You, too, can help
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey and U2 rocker Bono hit Chicago’s”Magnificent Mile” on Thursday for a shopping spree to promote a new line of clothing, accessories and gadgets – including a special-edition iPod – to raise money to fight AIDS in Africa.
Dozens of “(Product) Red” items will go on sale in the coming weeks by Gap Inc., Apple Computer Inc., Motorola Inc., Converse Inc. and Emporio Armani.
Says Bono: “(W)e’ve got to get to people where they are at, and they’re in the shopping malls.”
Getting their jollies?
An Associated Press freelance photographer says security guards protecting an Angelina Jolie movie set in India punched and threatened him at gunpoint Friday – the second run-in between the star’s security and the news media this week.
On Sunday, as Jolie and Brad Pitt were leaving their hotel, one of their security guards manhandled a British photographer trying to take their photo.
Jolie is in the western Indian city of Pune to film scenes for “A Mighty Heart,” a movie about the life of slain journalist Daniel Pearl.
Let’s see him dance around that
Country singer Sara Evans has quit ABC’s popular “Dancing With the Stars” competition after filing for divorce from her husband.
Evans claims in court papers that Craig Schelske committed adultery, was verbally and emotionally abusive, drank excessively and frequently watched pornography in their home.
The couple married in 1993 and have three children ages 7, 3 and 2.
Mommy? Daddy?
Michael Jackson and ex-wife Debbie Rowe have reached an undisclosed agreement to end their bitter three-year custody battle over Prince Michael, 9, and Paris Michael, 8.
Meanwhile, a Jackson rep denies reports he’s been dressing as a woman in a ruffled blouse and stilettos while staying in St. Tropez.
The birthday bunch
Actor Roger Moore is 79. Actor Greg Evigan (“My Two Dads”) is 53. Actor Jon Seda (“Homicide: Life On The Street”) is 36. Country singer Natalie Maines (Dixie Chicks) is 32. Singer Usher is 28.