London, December 10, 2025
Gerry McCann, father of missing child Madeleine McCann, has publicly accused parts of the UK media of relentless harassment and interference following his daughter’s disappearance, highlighting overwhelming press intrusion and calling for stronger regulatory accountability. These comments were made in a recent interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Physical Harassment and Media Intrusion
Gerry McCann detailed severe harassment faced by his family, recounting how photographers aggressively pursued them, at times “literally ramming their cameras against our car window” with his two-year-old twins inside. Such intrusions caused significant distress and fear within the family, emphasizing the invasive nature of press conduct.
Beyond the physical intrusion, McCann condemned media outlets for publishing confidential information that compromised the investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance. He expressed grave concerns over the consequences of such interference, stating that perpetrators potentially gained privileged knowledge, while victims were left dismayed and vulnerable.
Concerns Over Press Regulation and Power Imbalances
McCann criticized the current Labour government for deprioritizing press regulation reforms, highlighting a persistent imbalance in power between media barons and individuals affected by their practices. He pointed out the contradiction wherein influential media owners have access to prime ministers, while ordinary citizens who suffer from media actions lack equivalent access or protection.
The UK’s Press regulator, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso), has acknowledged the issue and signaled its readiness to intervene in cases of persistent press harassment. Ipso encourages victims to come forward and report concerns about media behaviour, aiming to uphold standards and protect individuals.
Family’s Past Collaboration with The Sun and Media Scrutiny
Reflecting on the family’s complex relationship with the media, McCann described their 2011 collaboration with The Sun newspaper as “supping with the Devil.” This partnership involved publishing a front-page letter that prompted then-Prime Minister David Cameron to order a review of the investigation, demonstrating the family’s strategic, if reluctant, engagement with media outlets to advance their cause.
At the 2011 Leveson Inquiry, McCann had previously testified about widespread media misconduct. He highlighted fabricated stories and a sustained campaign of inaccurate and malicious headlines insinuating the family’s involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance. The inquiry revealed troubling practices, such as the News of the World’s publication of transcripts from Kate McCann’s personal diary, a deeply invasive breach of privacy that further victimized the family.
The combined accounts paint a portrait of intense media pressure compounding the family’s ordeal, raising critical questions about media ethics, the effectiveness of regulation, and the protection of victims in high-profile cases. The call for heightened scrutiny of media conduct resonates amid ongoing debates on press freedom, accountability, and public interest.