Original Air Date:
Monday, May 4, 2009
Madeleine McCann Missing:
Two years ago 3 year-old Madeleine McCann went missing from her parents resort apartment in Portugal. Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate, and her 2 year-old twin siblings Sean and Amelie were vacationing in Praia da Luz with 3 other families. On occasion after the children were asleep, the parents would go to the resort restaurant, making sure to check on the kids every 30 minutes. On the fifth night of the trip, Madeleine was not found in her room. The media frenzy started the following day when Gerry and Kate held their first press conference.
Four months after Madeleine's disappearance, the McCann's were named the prime suspects in the case after the investigation came up empty for other evidence. Once they were under question in the case of their missing daughter, the couple decided to leave Portugal and head home to England. The couple maintained their innocence, but were not cleared in the case until July 2008.
Oprah with Gerry and Kate McCann:
Gerry and Kate McCann joined Oprah for their first interview in the US to share their story and their continued search for their daughter. The couple began by saying that they are still determined to find Madeleine, even though it has been 2 years without any breaks in the case.
A clip was shown of Kate McCann at their home in England where she discussed how special Madeleine was at such a young age and what good company she was. Showing artwork that still hangs in the home that Madeleine created before she disappeared, Kate expressed that some days are better than others, but they can't let go of their daughter.
The McCann's confirmed that they believe their daughter is still alive, since their has been no evidence revealed pointing to the possibility of her death. Kate admitted to feeling a strong connection still with her daughter; that she isn't far away. Besides worrying about finding her, Kate also is concerned about the care she has received and if she is well. There are times when Kate does question if Madeleine is still out there, but those are her worst times and she tries to keep her thoughts positive.
The worst part for the family was the time right after Madeleine went missing, full of fear for their family.
The McCann's were viewed as bad parents in the media for leaving their children alone and they suffer with the consequence of that decision daily. They regret the choice they made, but also feel that the attention put on their decision takes the focus away from the person who entered their vacation home and took their child. The person who committed this crime has remained nameless for the past 2 years and has thus not received any of the blame for the event.
Gerry shared that the night Madeleine had disappeared, he had checked on the children at 9pm and all 3 were asleep in their beds.
Another friend from dinner also went to check on her children shortly after and saw Gerry talking to another resort guest, but also saw a man carrying a little girl walking a short distance away. Knowing Gerry had checked on the kids, the friend was not alarmed and did not see the face of the man. At 9:30 another dinner friend when to check on the children but didn't actually see Madeleine, he just listened for crying. At 10 Kate took her turn and found the window to the bedroom open and Madeleine's bed empty. Kate knew that Madeleine had been taken since there was no way she could have opened the window herself.
Gerry and Kate McCann's Relationship with the Media:
After it was discovered that Madeleine was missing, the McCann's reached out to the media almost immediately, even though the Portuguese police urged them not to. The couple stated that they were desperate to do anything they could to help find Madeleine and it seemed like the best way to get the word out. The second press conference was held 4 days later and Kate appeared to be emotionless, which the press used against her. An expert had advised to stay neutral, which Kate does not regret using, but shared that everyone responds to a traumatic event differently.
When the couple were named as suspects they realized that there situation could get worse and the accusation made them very angry. The fact that the authorities had stopped looking for their daughter and her kidnapper and instead turned on them, made them want to fight harder in their efforts to find her. The McCann's were also accused at the time of drugging their daughter which in turn caused her death. Gerry confirmed that the idea was ridiculous and was absolutely not true.
Gerry and Kate McCann's Relationship and Family:
Even though they have been through one of the worst events imaginable, Kate and Gerry McCann are still focused on their marriage, their twins, and the search for their daughter. The couple remain together and dedicated to building the strength of their family and relationship, despite what has happened. 4 year-old twins, Sean and Amelie, are what keep Gerry and Kate going every day. The twins still talk about Madeleine and keep her a part of their daily lives. Kate works to allow Sean and Amelie to grow and develop, despite her wish to keep them protected and safe.
The Search for Madeleine:
Even though it has been 2 years and Madeleine's case is closed, the McCann's still maintain that she is alive and they are determined to keep the search open for her. They feel that the age progression picture that was created will help locate their daughter, or someone will come forward with information about the abductor. The couple still feel that the person who took Madeleine can still do the right thing and return her to her family. They don't feel that they have done enough to get Madeleine back home, but they will continue looking until they have proof that she is no longer alive.
