Since the pop star announced she had adopted David Banda in mid-October, she has come under intense fire from the media.
However, the level of cynicism about the celebrity's motives will shock some people.
Nearly two-thirds (59 per cent) of the 1,216 adults, surveyed by Opinion Matters last week, said that if their desire to adopt was genuine, Madonna and film-maker husband Guy Ritchie should have chosen a British baby.
Just over 73 per cent of people also believed Madonna had used her wealth and fame to get her way - although 80 per cent praised the star for raising the profile of adoption.
Madonna's UK adviser MBC PR declined to comment. Almost three quarters of people thought she had handled the media well.