Madonna and the Malawian authorities have dismissed claims made by the father of the infant adopted by the singer that he had no idea he was sending his son "away for good".

Madonna and the Malawian authorities have dismissed claims made by the father of the infant adopted by the singer that he had no idea he was sending his son "away for good".

Yohane Banda had said that local officials in Malawi never properly explained the procedure to him and he thought the pop superstar would only be looking after his son "during his education".

Madonna and film director husband, Guy Ritchie, were granted interim adoption of 13-month-old David Banda last Tuesday.

Madonna's representative said yesterday: "Yohane was fully aware that Madonna and Guy were adopting David."

Penson Kilembe, director of child welfare in Malawi, said: "We explained every detail and Madonna herself explained her intentions to the judge and in Banda's presence."

Banda said yesterday: "I cannot read or write so I relied on what government officials told me . that the papers said Madonna would look after the child the way the orphanage planned to educate him." - Wenn