In a huge embarrassment for the would-be celebrity philanthropist, Madonna has been forced to abandon the school for girls she planned in Malawi -- and her foundation, Raising Malawi, which was to support it.

The singer founded Raising Malawi after her not-uncomplicated adoption of two Malawi children: since 2006, the charity collected around $18 million in donations (much of it at annual star-studded, Gucci-sponsored benefits).

But after she broke ground on a school for girls in the country, things went woefully awry. Workers on the site are suing Madonna, saying they were never paid. And now the IRS is investigating all of her charity efforts, as well as those of Kabbalah Centre International, Madonna's partner in the project.

Meanwhile, Kabbalah wants to get as far away from the star who once brought the faith into the public eye -- they released a statement severing ties with Raising Malawi.

But Madge is in good company -- plenty of stars get into hot water with high-profile charity efforts.