Madonna dismisses Malawi government’s bullying claims

Madonna has hit back at accusations she bullied officials and expected special treatment during a recent trip to Malawi.

The pop star jetted to Africa on Easter Sunday to meet orphans and visit educational projects, which have been funded through her Raising Malawi charity.

However, her trip was mired in controversy after she was accused of demanding VIP status at the local airport, while a letter from the office of Malawi President Joyce Banda contained fierce criticism of the star.

The letter accused the singer of “bullying state officials” and shot down Madonna’s claims that her charity has constructed 10 schools in the country, stating she had merely funded the refurbishment of several classrooms at existing educational facilities.

Madonna has now replied to the accusations, branding the content of the letter “lies” and denying she demanded special treatment during her trip.

A statement from the pop star reads, “I’m saddened that Malawi’s President Joyce Banda has chosen to release lies about what we’ve accomplished, my intentions, how I personally conducted myself while visiting Malawi and other untruths.

“I have no intentions of being distracted by these ridiculous allegations. I came to Malawi seven years ago with honorable intentions. I returned earlier this month to view the new schools we built. I did not ever ask or demand special treatment at the airport or elsewhere during my visit. I will not be distracted or discouraged by other people’s political agendas. I made a promise to the children of Malawi and I am keeping that promise.”

Madonna has two adopted children from the country, David and Mercy.