Madeleine series is just ‘fodder for conspiracy loons’ say Mccanns
A NETFLIX documentary about the disappearance of Madeleine Mccann is to be examined closely by her parents’ lawyers in case the eight-hour series contains any defamatory material.
Almost 13 years since the toddler vanished without a trace from a holiday apartment on the Algarve, a “box-set” about the mystery was unveiled on the streaming site.
The Disappearance of Madeleine Mccann focuses on the search for the missing three-year-old in intricate detail, but notably lacks input from her family or their wider circle of friends.
Last night her parents’ long-time spokesman suggested Netflix appeared more interested in “infotainment” and bolstering its true-crime collection than helping the search effort.
Clarence Mitchell said Kate and Gerry Mccann were offered a chance to watch the series in advance as a “courtesy”, but indicated they were not likely to do so soon. Mr Mitchell told The Daily Telegraph: “I’m not aware of any breakthrough evidence or interview that is going to cause a significant shift in the Met Police investigation and this was one of our principle concerns.
“Netflix [is] a commercial operation, [it is] obviously looking for hits on the platform and if it’s done within the laws of defamation, then fine. They have not talked to our side, [so] it will inevitably be one-sided ... I’m afraid this just gives succour to the conspiracy loons.”
Friends and lawyers are expected to carefully scour the series for any allegations made about the couple.
Chief among the Mccann’s concerns will be any attempt to bring back discredited accusations which were made by Portuguese police during a now-infamous investigation into the couple.
Kate and Gerry were briefly given arguido (suspect) status by local detectives amid a flurry of speculation they had somehow been involved in their daughter’s disappearance.
The show has already reignited debate about whether the child – who would now be 15 – is still alive.
In one episode Jim Gamble, a detective who worked on the first British police investigation, expresses confidence that advances in policing techniques will eventually lead to the mystery being answered.
Netflix did not wish to comment.