A judge has adjourned the appeal into Madonna's attempted adoption of an African child.

Last month, a court in Malawi ruled against the pop superstar, who is seeking to add Mercy James to her family. She was not in attendance at the latest hearing on Monday, which saw three judges in the country's supreme court meet behind closed doors.

Chief Justice Lovemore Munro, chair of the panel, confirmed the adjournment but did not reveal when a final decision can be expected.

Watch a clip from The Associated Press on the appeal below: