Netflix has announced that its upcoming controversial Madeleine McCann documentary series will be released today (15 March).
The streaming service initially commissioned the eight-part series, titled The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, in 2017, following the success of other true crime documentaries.
However, the release has been continually delayed, reportedly due to key personnel in the investigation not wanting to appear on camera.
Gerry and Kate McCann, the parents of Madeleine, condemned the series earlier this week, saying the series could potentially “hinder” the ongoing police investigation. Madeleine went missing from their family’s holiday apartment in Portugal on 3 May, 2007.
“We are aware that Netflix are planning to screen a documentary in March 2019 about Madeleine’s disappearance,” the family said in a statement.
“The production company told us that they were making the documentary and asked us to participate.
“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, it could potentially hinder it.
“Consequently, our views and preferences are not reflected in the programme. We will not be making any further statements or giving interviews regarding this programme.”
The McCann family has previously pledged to never give up looking for their missing daughter. After an initial investigation by Portuguese officials came to a standstill, Scotland Yard launched their own, which remains ongoing as another £150,000 was granted to the probe last November.
The upcoming Netflix documentary will reportedly feature interviews with investigators from the case, as well as other key figures.
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.”
