'We are disappointed': Kate and Gerry McCann break silence on Channel 5 drama in blunt statement
'We fail to see how it will help'
Under Suspicion: Kate McCann has been met with a divisive response on Channel 5, and two people are “disappointed” by it: Kate and Gerry McCann.
The new drama, starring Laura Bayston as Kate, mostly revolves around her real-life interviews with Portuguese law enforcement, leading to her being declared an “arguida” – a formal suspect.
There have been countless documentaries and podcasts about Madeleine, either giving an overview of the case or speculating about what happened to her. Notably, her parents refused to take part in Netflix’s docu-series.
Given this is the first drama based on the case, viewers have been curious to know what the McCanns think. Now, they’ve spoken out.
Kate and Gerry McCann finally respond to Channel 5’s ‘disappointing’ drama
Writing on the Find Madeleine website, the McCanns thanked “everyone who has offered support and kindness this month”.
Remember, Madeleine vanished on May 3, 2007, so this month marks the 19th anniversary of her disappearance. “May is never the easiest. We usually start to feel a bit ‘lighter’ at this stage of the month,” the statement adds.
However, it then takes aim at Under Suspicion: Kate McCann.
“We are disappointed, however, knowing that a Channel 5 ‘docu-drama’ will air tonight. We have not given, or been asked for, our consent and have had no involvement whatsoever in its making,” it reads.
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They also wrote that they “fail to see how it will help”.
“Programmes like this always have a negative impact on our family,” their statement adds.
‘I felt a huge responsibility to Kate’
Kate and Gerry McCann weren’t consulted on the Channel 5 drama. However, its star and creatives have spoken about their sensitive approach to the case.
“I did feel the weight to be truthful and authentic to the script, which was so brilliantly written. But I also felt a huge responsibility toward Kate, of course. I thought
of her and Madeleine every minute of every day while filming,” Bayston told the broadcaster.
Philip Ralph, the writer behind Under Suspicion: Kate McCann, wanted the audience to “forget what they think” about the McCanns.
Still, to this day, the McCann’s must face lies and accusations, all whilst they try to go on with their lives and – most importantly – keep searching for Madeleine,” he said.
“If the audience could come away from seeing this film, sharing my respect and admiration for the McCann’s and their undaunted quest to find Madeleine, then I will feel I have done my job well.”
