LILONGWE, Malawi - Pop star Madonna’s bid to add another Malawian child to her collection has been denied by a judge who said allowing the adoption would set a “dangerous precedent” to bend the rules requiring prospective parents to live in the impoverished southern African country for at least 18 months.

Madonna: Adoption application rejected.

However, Malawi’s Minister of Child Welfare on Thursday came out in support of Madonna’s application to 3-year-old Chifundo “Mercy” James.

According to the Associated Press, Madonna will appeal the decision.