Here’s a major news story that’s rarer than trying to locate the (extinct) Dodo- two national newspapers have been forced to apologise to the parents of Madeline McCann after losing a libel case involving allegations made against them over the disappearance of their daughter. What was even amazing was that the apologies, from both the Daily Express and Daily Star, were printed on the front page of today’s editions of each newspaper.
Both the Express and the Star, throughout the sad disappearance of Madeline, were claimed to have printed stories making allegations against parents Kate and Gerry, which were later found to be untrue. After losing the libel case, the publishers of both newspapers agreed to settle for £550,000, which will probably now go towards the continuing search for the little girl. A statement from the family said that they welcomed the apology.
Its a scandal in the first place that both the Express and the Star were able to write and print these stories before this had to go to court (Let’s not start the well-worn debate about the self-regulation of the press again). The McCanns had to probably fight them with hands tied behind their backs. But it’s not just the two newspapers that should’ve been in the dock. As I pointed out a while back, most of the British press were doing exactly the same thing. Many observers were glad that the case has ended well but sad for the fact that their little girl is still missing.