Student jokes about being Madeleine McCann and accidentally goes viral

A woman joked on a Facebook group chat that she was the missing child Madeleine McCann.

Since Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007, aged-3, the hunt for her whereabouts and those responsible for her disappearance remains ongoing.

The extensive media attention the case received at the time, and since, has kept the upsetting case in the national conversation for many years.

Some exploited the tragic circumstances for humour, like the man who wore a 'McCann' Halloween costume.

Harriet Brookes, a student at the University of Manchester, joked on a private group chat that she thought she might be McCann.

She is too old to be McCann, and her not serious 'proof' was eye colour, and the fact they resemble one another in other ways.

Another member of said Facebook group shared screenshots of their private conversation on public social media, where the furore was ignited.

The Twitter account that shared the screen-grabs, @bealeornobeale, is no longer active, and Brookes' account has been set to private.

However, screenshots have been shared online.

Brookes told student news website The Tab:

Basically, I was just looking through old photos and found the picture and was like ‘this reminds me of something but idk what’ and then I was like ‘sh*t it’s Madeleine McCann.’

The facial features look very similar and the hair, and I Googled distinguishing features and the main two I have as well. Brown spot on her eye and brown spot on her leg.

She confirmed to The Tab that it was a joke, posted in a private group. The viral post by @bealeornobeale was reportedly seen by over 100,000 Twitter accounts, according to The Sun.

Brookes told The Tab she has received death threats online since it went public.

I’m loving reading people’s reactions. I feel like so many people are taking it seriously. I got a message from some girl saying she was going to skin me. She said I’m ‘twisted.’ I’ve also had jokey ones from people saying ‘your parents are worried'.

Brookes added that she did not begrudge her friend for making her famous.

HT The Tab, The Sun

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