By Ben Thompson
The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, due to be released on March 15th, has already sparked controversy. Netflix commissioned the series in 2017, but it is only just making it onto the streaming service – production was allegedly delayed due to key figures in the investigation refusing to appear on camera.
The eight-part documentary series will feature interviews with key figures involved with the case, most controversially Goncalo Amaral. Amaral was the Portuguese detective who led the initial investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance in May 2007. Since then, he has repeatedly accused the McCanns of playing a part in covering up their daughter’s disappearance – an allegation that Kate and Gerry McCann continue to strongly deny.
Other controversial theories about the young girl’s disappearance are also to be investigated in the forthcoming documentary – including the theory that she was taken by human traffickers because she was ‘white and middle class’.
On their website, the McCanns issued a statement condemning the Netflix documentary: ‘We did not see and still do not see how this programme will help the search for Madeleine and, particularly given there is an active police investigation, could potentially hinder it.’
Though they were asked by producers to participate in the documentary, the McCanns refused to be interviewed.
A Netflix spokesperson said: “By blending new interviews with more than 40 contributors, 120 hour of interviews, archival news footage and reenactments, The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann goes beyond the headlines and takes a unique look at the facts of the case as well as its impact on media standards around the world.”
Nearly twelve years after her disappearance, Madeleine McCann is still generating headlines around the world. This documentary is only the latest to capitalise on the public’s fascination with the case.
Featured image: Abi Daré by Edith Powell The largest conference for aspiring writers in the North returned to Manchester for its tenth anniversary, giving budding writers access to a busy day of panel talks and creative workshops. The National Creative Writing Industry Day (NCWID), hosted by Comma Press and the Manchester Writing School, featured two…
By Imogen Lambert-Baker, Freya Barwell, Lowri Simmons, Megan HallFeatured image: Laura Bates “I’ve seen policy makers change their positions on issues that they have been really entrenched on because of the power of people’s stories told in their own words,” says feminist activist and Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates, reflecting on the power of personal…
By Immy BurgessFeatured image: Lorna Elizabeth aAh! speaks to 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Festival organisers Kim Moore and Frazer Heritage ahead of the launch. Manchester Metropolitan University is hosting the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, a powerful initiative running from 25th November – International Day for the Elimination…
Featured image: Mexican Pets, Nobody’s Working Title – Blunt Records Pinning down a genre as sprawling as indie-rock is as futile as painting your living room with gravy instead of emulsion. However, we can at least set some boundaries. We can drill down through layers of subgenres and microgenres, but ultimately, a broad definition of…
Leave a reply