Madonna has an unlikely ally in her bid to adopt a second African orphan–her former husband.

British director Guy Ritchie is speaking out in defense of his ex after a Malawai judge denied her request to adopt a three-year-old girl from Malawi on Friday. Guy says he was “saddened” by the judge’s refusal to allow the pop legend to bring home little Mercy James.

“Madonna is a fantastic and loving mother who cares deeply about her own children, and children who may need additional help and support,” Guy said in a statement released Friday.

“I fully supported Madonna in her decision to apply for this adoption, and I am saddened that her application has been rejected. She is motivated only by being a caring parent who seeks to share some of the advantages and opportunities that her life has given her,” his statement continued.

“This time it did not work out, but there will be other opportunities and I wish her well in them. She is a great mum,” Guy’s statement concluded.