The Brangelina Adoption Drama - A Huge Hoax

I must confess I fell for it - and so did millions of other journalists and readers around the world. But it seems that the whole Zahara adoption drama was nothing more than a media stunt, a hoax blown out of all proportion, aimed at creating unnecessary tension and bringing under scrutiny an adoption that was legally concluded two years ago. I'm not sure what to believe anymore - but someone definitely wanted to make a big deal out of...well, nothing much.

The birth mother of Angelina Jolie's adopted Ethiopian daughter insists she is happy the actress has given the two-year-old a better life. Mentewab Dawit - who deserted Zahara when she was just five months old because she had no food to feed her - denied reports she wanted Zahara back and even praised Angelina for giving her a home. She certainly made no mention of wanting Zahara back, took the blame for deserting her daughter and leaving her for dead and even said she was thrilled the woman who adopted Zahara was famous and could provide such a good home for the little girl.

"I have never disputed the adoption. It was something I never said. I decided to flee rather than watch her die. I think my daughter is a very fortunate human being to be adopted by a world famous lady. I wish them all the success they both deserve. I have no ill-feelings towards her" Zahara's birth mother is quoted as saying - again.

When she left, Mentewab's mother searched for her, but believing she had died put Zahara up for adoption. Last week, it was revealed Angelina's adoption of Zahara was "legal and irrevocable", amid claims that Mentewab wanted her back. The adoption agency which handled the whole affair two years ago, Wide Horizons for Children, said that Angelina, who was initially told Zahara was an AIDS orphan - was the victim of "media hype and unethical journalists".

The agency approved the Hollywood star's adoption of Zahara in July 2005. Angelina was accompanied by her partner Brad Pitt when she went to collect Zahara in 2005. Brad then formally became Zahara's adopted father in January 2006. And it's all legal - no doubts about that, or so it would seem. Well, I think no one will ever know for sure exactly how things were two years ago - but enough time has passed for that to stop being very relevant. One thing is for sure, though: Angelina saved Zahara's life two years ago, bonded with the girl and is now her mother, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.