Madeleine McCann: Gerry McCann Talks With Vanity Fair
MADDYWATCH - Anorak’s at-a-glance guide to press coverage of Madeleine McCann
DAILY MIRROR front page: “MADELEINE: THE BIG INTERVIEW”
“Our regret”
“GERRY: I wish we have never gone to the tapas bar”
“KATE: I wish I’d seen the stranger watching us”
“READ THEIR HEARTBREAKING WORDS INSIDE”
Voyeurs, campaigners, police and handwringers come see the pain, the suffering the agony. Prepare to be heartbroken!
“Riddled with guilt, the distraught” Gerry will tell all to the Mirror. Well, not to the Mirror, rather to Vanity Fair magazine. Journalist Judy Bachrach spoke with Gerry in October near the family home in Rothley, Leicestershire
And the interview is not with Gerry and Kate. Only Gerry McCann was interviewed, says the Mail. Kate McCann’s words come via friends and family
Pages 4 and 5: “I WISH”.
It reads very much like a prayer, or a camping speech by Barack Obama. Says Gerry McCann:
“I wish I hadn’t gone to the tapas bar.
“I wish I’d have stayed in the apartment that night
“I wish I’d stayed in the room when I checked on her five minutes longer”
A wish…
Says Gerry McCann: “”At the time we did it, it was not irresponsible. Of course we feel guilty about not having been there and that is just something we have to deal with for the rest of our lives. You are not asking anything we don’t think about on a daily basis. We live this 24 hours a day”
Gerry says his world went “all black, with maybe tiny points of light” in the days after Madeleine vanished. “We can’t cry our eyes out every day because that’s not helping. So after three days I picked myself up…quicker than Kate could. Grief washes over you. It’s like a big wave, mostly I was able to beat it back”
And the Madeleine ‘Look into my eyes’ campaign? Says Gerry: “We thought it was possible this could hurt her. Her abductor might do something to her eye. But in marketing terms it was a good ploy”
THE SUN: “Life’s bleak but I cling to hope”
Says Gerry McCann: “People can support you in your darkest hours and in our case the darkest hour was of course when Madeleine went missing. Now it is just bleak”
In next month’s Vanity Fair: “The interview with Gerry came as it emerged GORDON BROWN has snubbed the McCanns’ request for a meeting; furious Kate EXPLODED when cops first told her she was a suspect; and family spokesman Clarence Mitchell has given a university SPEECH on the topic Missing Maddie McCann — the perfect PR campaign
“A pal of the McCanns said Kate, 39, believes the family were STALKED by Maddie’s kidnapper in the days before she went missing”. WOW
COUPLE hit back on film. Says Clarence Mitchell, the spokesperson: “It is not us being greedy. It is us being needy“
DAILY MAIL: “It’s all my fault, admits Maddie’s father”
Well, not quite. Gerry McCann is making no confession. He maintains that the fault lies with a kidnapper. Says the Mail: “Gerry McCann is tortured by guilt that Madeleine’s disappearance is his fault”
Will he tell all? Mr McCann tells Vanity Fair’s Judy Bachrach: “I can’t talk to you about the details of what happened. I live under threat from the Portuguese - if I do talk - of two years’ imprisonment”
“THIRD POLICE SUSPECT BREAKS HIS SILENCE” – Says Robert Murat to Vanity Fair: “All I can say is that I am innocent”
DAILY EXPRESS front page: “MADELEINE - MOTHER IS SHUNNED BY PRIEST”
Page 9: “KATE’S SCREAMS AS POLICE TOLD HER: YOU’RE A SUSPECT – KATE McCann screamed when told by police that she was a suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance, it emerged yesterday. Opening the door of her rented villa to a Portuguese officer the family had come to know, Kate, 39, shouted: ‘Do you honestly believe that I would murder my own child?’”
Gerry McCann is a “39-year-old cardiologist”. Facts!
On the speculation: “Gerry says bitterly: ‘Yes, yes, I know. Kate killed her in a frenzy, Madeleine was sedated by us, she fell down the stairs – in which case you would have thought they’d have found her body. I’ve heard all of that. There are a huge number of theories in the media. But what I want to know is, who told them all that?’”
DAILY STAR: “Anguished and painfully thin, his wife Kate was too upset to answer even a single question during the interview with glossy US magazine Vanity Fair. Gerry revealed in the 7,500-word magazine article he had to be coaxed by a counsellor into talking publicly about his daughter in the days after she disappeared”
DAILY RECORD: “Maddie’s Dad: Slim Chance Of Getting Her Back”
“Distraught Gerry McCann has admitted the chances of him seeing his missing daughter Madeleine again are ‘slim’”
VANITY FAIR: “Unanswered Prayers”
“After three-year-old Madeleine McCann disappeared on a family vacation in Portugal, her parents pursued a high-stakes strategy: media saturation. It succeeded beyond their wildest imaginings—winning the aid of everyone from J. K. Rowling to the Pope—and failed miserably. Getting the first in-depth interview with Gerry McCann since he and his wife, Kate, were declared suspects, the author re-traces their footsteps to their daughter’s empty bed”
And then a policeman appeared. His name Ricardo. “Because for months they used to have regular weekly meetings with the Portuguese police, and then they stopped,” recalls Gerry’s older sister Trish Cameron
“Do you have something to tell us?” Ricardo asked.
“No,” Kate replied. “Do you have something to tell us?”
“He nodded. “Yes. You are being made arguidos”…
Eight months of talking - read it all…
Posted: 10th, January 2008 | In: Madeleine McCann Comments (1,344) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
Comments
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January 11th, 2008 at 1:54 am
1315
I 8 Tapas
1314
Tony Bennett Says:
******
Kate looks physically very strong. Not at all weakened by tragedy. Kind of frightening to picture her giving a tiny 3 year her tuppence.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:47 am
I can’t speculate any further than I have and as you’ve said it’s late. I don’t know if I’ll come back for a while as it’s time consuming and emotionally taxing. Good luck.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:43 am
1311
Tinsel Says:
Glad youy’re back, sad there have been no serious developments in 8 months.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:43 am
1312 Tinsel
Yes, I’m afraid the phrase ‘Kate was incandescent with rage’ - which I’ve seen in print more than once - together with various other reports of her extreme temper, and the need for others to be present for the weekend with her when Gerry was away on all his speaking engagements and conferences (confirmed by a relative early on) has always made me wonder if she ‘lost it’ with Madeleine that night.
Your new sequence of events that night (i.e. in Post 1312 tonight) is very possible IMO
January 11th, 2008 at 1:43 am
I think fear keeps the pact of silence going, this is such a big story, I’m not sure it is just fear of the McCanns. But I think like the McCanns, the rest of the Tapas group are afraid about being more honest about some things for repercussions on them or their friends. (if that makes sense? Even if they weren’t responsible for what happened to Madeleine)
Also, I think arrogance is keeping the well heeled supporters on. Just my opinion.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:39 am
1299 Tony Bennett Says: January 11th, 2008 at 1:24 am
1283 I 8 Tapas Says:
Tinsel 673)
Edit…
I lean to the view, however, that Maddie was awake, lonely and frightened, not physically injured. but desperately crying out for her Daddy for comfort when Mrs Pamela Fenn heard her - a thought that always makes my blood run cold.
I still say that an unpremeditated attack by either parent on Madeleine is as likely as anything.
Edit…
+++++++++++
Well, there’s no evidence for it, although possibly the alleged blood patterns in the department might support it? That said, it’s as plausible as many scenarios.
What would it be then that might keep the alleged pact of silence going? Any thoughts?
Why the continued support from well heeled individual(s)? Again any thoughts?
PS I may dip out… Way past my bed time!
January 11th, 2008 at 1:36 am
1299
Tony Bennett Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:24 am
1283 I 8 Tapas Says:
Tinsel 673)
Yes I saw Tinsel’s attempted explanation, and I usually read all Tinsel says with care as s/he writes with both insight and restraint. It is most certainly a possible interpretation in the light of what we know.
I lean to the view, however, that Maddie was awake, lonely and frightened, not physically injured. but desperately crying out for her Daddy for comfort when Mrs Pamela Fenn heard her - a thought that always makes my blood run cold.
I still say that an unpremeditated attack by either parent on Madeleine is as likely as anything.
I’ve seen the reports that the McCanns were summoned by Mark Warners from Chaplins (half a mile away) about midnight on 2nd/3rd May to attend to the crying Madeleine and wouldn’t put it past the McCanns to have taken it out on Madeleine for disturbing their evening. Maybe Madeleine had broken ‘the rules’
****
I tend to agree with you Tony.
In fact my theory is that Kate was first to arrive. I think she left Chaplins ahead of the others and fit to be tied …
A little later she was followed by Gerry, Tanner, and O’Brian … who came upon a Kate and beaten Madeleine. The group may have been three-sheets-to-the wind, but sober enough to start considering how it would look on a police report. Especially if there were any drugs involved.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:34 am
1305
Tony Bennett Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:30 am
1293 Totje says (January 11th, 2008 at 1:20 am): “Tribute [no matter if she’s alive or not]:
Stop buying the tabloids and give the money you spare by that to an organisation that really helps children or finding missing children”.
REPLY: Well, perhaps things like drinking less, buying fewer clothes, buying smaller cars and not smoking would raise more money than not buying tabloids.
But I’m in sympathy with your main point.
There are a lot of neglected children in the U.K., not sure I am that confident that many of the child welfare organisations are doing that good a job
—————————————————————————
Money/ manpower is usually an issue. If children are not in immediate danger of sexual/physical abuse the reaction can be put on the long finger. The damage can be as serious. The long term damage includes self-destructive behaviour due to a worthlessness if something else does not occur before adulthood.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:32 am
1307
Totje Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Nite all, now really off. Thanks RR no more wine, nor tapas.
Bye all
………….
nite nite xxx
January 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am
1304
I 8 Tapas Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:29 am
G’night Rooster
…………
nite nite I 8 and g’nite anyone else whos crazy enough to still be up
January 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Nite all, now really off. Thanks RR no more wine, nor tapas.
Bye all
January 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am
1274 Tony Bennett Says: January 11th, 2008 at 12:59 am
1267 Peter O:
“I believe, it’s my opinion, that the McCann’s and/or their friends know far more about the events leading up to and subsequent to Madeleine’s disappearance than has currently come to light. I haven’t the slightest clue what their involvement may be, though I have my own entirely unsubstantiated opinion as to what what their involvement may have been”.
REPLY: What is your opinion on the nature of the McCanns’ involvement in Madeleine’s ‘disappearance’, please?
+++++++++++
Oh nothing stunning Tony, and my opinion is not “unique” which the above quote appears to imply! It’s late, I’m tired…
I’m in the camp that suggests whatever happened possibly happened prior to the evening of May 3rd, and I favour the/one of the Chaplins nights.
Beyond that, it really is just wild speculation and I could see many of the scenarios that have been suggested here being possible. I don’t think there is too much in the public domain that really allows us to pick any one scenario over another, so I won’t.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:30 am
1293 Totje says (January 11th, 2008 at 1:20 am): “Tribute [no matter if she’s alive or not]:
Stop buying the tabloids and give the money you spare by that to an organisation that really helps children or finding missing children”.
REPLY: Well, perhaps things like drinking less, buying fewer clothes, buying smaller cars and not smoking would raise more money than not buying tabloids.
But I’m in sympathy with your main point.
There are a lot of neglected children in the U.K., not sure I am that confident that many of the child welfare organisations are doing that good a job
January 11th, 2008 at 1:29 am
G’night Rooster
January 11th, 2008 at 1:29 am
1299
Tony Bennett Says:
As I said, only a theory. I suppose i find it difficult to believe in parents assaulting their children, even though I have witnessed the results and quite convincing denials. My theory was in response to earlier posters who wondered why other members of the group would support the McC’s if they were aware of Madeleine’s fate.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:28 am
1298
I 8 Tapas Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:24 am
1293
RedRooster Says:
Pulling up and parking.
………………
come in, the wines on the windowsill next to the glasses, help yourself im bushed
January 11th, 2008 at 1:26 am
1296
Carmen Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Rooster
I didn’t realise you had chicks, how many ?
The things you learn at this time of night!
……….
i have 2 little chicks my daughter is 5 and my son 3…… would NEVER forgive myself if anything ever happened to them
January 11th, 2008 at 1:24 am
got to be up in less than 6 hours - omg im gonna regret this
nite nite all 
January 11th, 2008 at 1:24 am
1283 I 8 Tapas Says:
Tinsel 673)
Yes I saw Tinsel’s attempted explanation, and I usually read all Tinsel says with care as s/he writes with both insight and restraint. It is most certainly a possible interpretation in the light of what we know.
I lean to the view, however, that Maddie was awake, lonely and frightened, not physically injured. but desperately crying out for her Daddy for comfort when Mrs Pamela Fenn heard her - a thought that always makes my blood run cold.
I still say that an unpremeditated attack by either parent on Madeleine is as likely as anything.
I’ve seen the reports that the McCanns were summoned by Mark Warners from Chaplins (half a mile away) about midnight on 2nd/3rd May to attend to the crying Madeleine and wouldn’t put it past the McCanns to have taken it out on Madeleine for disturbing their evening. Maybe Madeleine had broken ‘the rules’
January 11th, 2008 at 1:24 am
1293
RedRooster Says:
Pulling up and parking.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:23 am
1230
a McCann supporter Says:
Can’t believe you’re for real and if you are you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Here’s a little video for you:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vEAySu-hTJo
January 11th, 2008 at 1:22 am
1286
Tony Bennett Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:14 am
How about a child neglect reaction team regardless off the outcome. It is the most reported form of child abuse in the UK and Ireland and very difficult to deal with. Multi-disciplinary teams could intervene when a reort comes in and provide family support, counselling, re-education etc. The vast majority of offenders are oblivious to the harm they are causing. The victims feel totally unloved but can’t always pinpoint the offences which are vague and difficult to prosecute.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:21 am
** helps finding….
January 11th, 2008 at 1:21 am
1288
I 8 Tapas Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:15 am
……
by the sound of thing you just like myself have had more than enough….that said you’re still welcome, pull up a chair
January 11th, 2008 at 1:20 am
1286
Tony Bennett
Tribute [no matter if she's alive or not]
Stop buying the tabloids and give the money you spare by that to an organization that really helps children or finding missing children.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:19 am
1286
Tony Bennett Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:14 am
………………
there only one thing imo - that the perpetrators of whatever crime has been commited against madeleine are brought to justice.. poor girl i have a daughter not much older than maddie and i cant imagine life without her.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:16 am
1285
Wanderer,
I can do Tapas. Christmas recipes still on the sideboard.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:16 am
1285
Wanderer Says:
January 11th, 2008 at 1:14 am
1284
No tapas, Red?
……………..
not tonight but there is a great new tapas place not too far from here
January 11th, 2008 at 1:15 am
1284
RedRooster Says:
——————————-
Can I have a drink or have I had too much already (I can still spell, allegedly)
January 11th, 2008 at 1:15 am
suit yourself tony ya misery gut