This story is from April 30, 2009

Jackman supports Madge’s adoption bid

ANI / Apr 30, 2009, 15:14 IST

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Australian actor Hugh Jackman has come out in support of pop queen Madonna after her bid to adopt an African girl failed.

Australian actor Hugh Jackman has come out in support of pop queen Madonna after her bid to adopt an African girl failed.
The 40-year-old star, who himself has two adopted kids Oscar, eight, and three-year-old Ava, said he is sickened by cynics who favoured an African judge��s decision to reject Madge��s bid to adopt four-year-old baby girl Mercy James earlier this month.
��I challenge anyone who thinks you adopt a kid for a publicity stunt,�� the Sun quoted Jackman as saying.
��Anyone parent knows that would have to be the most intensive publicity stunt in the world. I am sure she is coming from a good place,�� he added.

The X-men star admits that he can understand the Material Girl��s desire to adopt as he and wife Deborra-Lee��s wish to adopt a child from Asia or Africa was crushed under stringent Aussie rules.
��The adoption laws in Australia are too restrictive. Of course, checks need to be made. But they had a very negative approach,�� Jackman said.
��It was like they were trying to discourage you.
��There are 130million orphans in the world �� who is looking after them? If you are a citizen of the world, on some level they are all our responsibility.

��And if you have got parents who want to adopt and there are children who need a home, it seems like a no-brainer. There are not that many children in Australia who need adopting, so we looked internationally and that is what is difficult,�� he added.
Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee kids adopted their kids from America.

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