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Wednesday April 8, 2009

Madonna is still struggling to come to terms with her failed adoption of Malawian orphan Mercy James — she reportedly broke down in tears while out on the town with her fashion designer pal Stella McCartney.

The 50-year-old singer was left “furious” last Friday after being told she could not take the 3-year-old back with her to her home in America because she was not a permanent resident of Malawi.

And Madonna was apparently overcome with emotion after taking a picture of Mercy from her handbag to show to friends during dinner at a London restaurant.

A source tells Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper, “She dug around in her handbag for the photo and was excitedly showing it off to Stella.

“But it was clearly too much, the moment overcame her. Stella told her to be strong as she tenderly gave her a hug and shoulder to cry on.”

Madonna — who is already mom to adopted David, three, Rocco, eight, and Lourdes, 12 — is planning to appeal the adoption rejection.

A source added, “The last week has been one of the hardest in her life. She’s really relying on her friends to help her through.”