LILONGWE - The Malawian government has branded pop star Madonna an "uncouth" bully who exaggerates her charitable work in the country and demands preferential treatment when she visits.
Malawi's President Joyce Banda's government accused the "Material Girl" of bullying officials after she complained about her latest trip to the country this month.
"Among the many things Madonna needs to learn as a matter of urgency is the decency of telling the truth," said Malawi's State House.
Media reports said Madonna and her children were forced to join a check-in queue and go through security with ordinary passengers at a Malawi airport when they left the country.
The singer dismissed Malawi's comments as "lies" on the website of her Raising Malawi foundation.
"I'm saddened that Malawi's President Joyce Banda has chosen to release lies about what we've accomplished, my intentions, how I conducted myself while visiting Malawi and other untruths," Madonna said.
Malawi said Madonna expected the government to be forever chained in an "obligation of gratitude" towards her for adopting two Malawian children and contributing to the construction of classrooms in the country.
"Kindness, as far as its ordinary meaning is concerned, is free and anonymous. If it can't be free and silent, it is not kindness; it is something else," the statement said. "Blackmail is the closest it becomes."
The singer said she came to Malawi seven years ago and returned earlier this month to view the new schools her foundation built.
"I did not ever ask or demand special treatment at the airport or elsewhere," Madonna said.
"I will not be distracted or discouraged by other people's political agendas."
She said the disagreement was rooted in her history with President Banda's sister, Anjimile Oponyo, who once headed Raising Malawi. Oponyo was fired and sued the charity for wrongful termination, an allegation the Malawian government denies.
Madonna in war of words with Banda
LILONGWE - The Malawian government has branded pop star Madonna an "uncouth" bully who exaggerates her charitable work in the country and demands preferential treatment when she visits.
Malawi's President Joyce Banda's government accused the "Material Girl" of bullying officials after she complained about her latest trip to the country this month.
"Among the many things Madonna needs to learn as a matter of urgency is the decency of telling the truth," said Malawi's State House.
Media reports said Madonna and her children were forced to join a check-in queue and go through security with ordinary passengers at a Malawi airport when they left the country.
The singer dismissed Malawi's comments as "lies" on the website of her Raising Malawi foundation.
"I'm saddened that Malawi's President Joyce Banda has chosen to release lies about what we've accomplished, my intentions, how I conducted myself while visiting Malawi and other untruths," Madonna said.
Malawi said Madonna expected the government to be forever chained in an "obligation of gratitude" towards her for adopting two Malawian children and contributing to the construction of classrooms in the country.
"Kindness, as far as its ordinary meaning is concerned, is free and anonymous. If it can't be free and silent, it is not kindness; it is something else," the statement said. "Blackmail is the closest it becomes."
The singer said she came to Malawi seven years ago and returned earlier this month to view the new schools her foundation built.
"I did not ever ask or demand special treatment at the airport or elsewhere," Madonna said.
"I will not be distracted or discouraged by other people's political agendas."
She said the disagreement was rooted in her history with President Banda's sister, Anjimile Oponyo, who once headed Raising Malawi. Oponyo was fired and sued the charity for wrongful termination, an allegation the Malawian government denies.
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