Madonna accepts damages over article published about twin girls

Madonna has accepted undisclosed damages from bosses at Associated Newspapers over an article published on Mailonline about the twins she adopted from Malawi.

The Material Girl hitmaker launched a lawsuit against the publishers after editors at MailOnline posted an article, which included personal details about Esther and Stella in January (17). At the time, Madonna asked the media to "respect our privacy during this transitional time."

On Thursday (27Jul17), Madonna's lawyer, Jenny Afia, appeared in London's High Court and insisted the article could have put the girls' safety in danger and jeopardized the adoption process.

"The MailOnline published it at a time when, as the journalist ought to have appreciated, Madonna would be powerless to protect the girls from harm," Afia said. "Their actions could, in her view, have threatened the integrity and/or outcome of the adoption process which would have had potentially life-changing implications for the girls, as well as for Madonna and her family."

"Many people in Malawi know of Madonna as an individual of fame and financial means," she continued. "In the circumstances, Madonna believes that it would (and should) have been self-evident to the reporter that the protection of the girls' identities pending the decision about their potential adoption was likely to be vital for their safety and welfare."

According to the New York Post's Page Six, Madonna's legal fees were paid and she received additional damages. The funds will be donated to The Mercy James Institute for pediatric Surgery center, which the singer opened earlier this month (Jul17).

"She is pleased that at least some good can come out of the situation," Afia added.