Julia Wendell, a 23-year-old Polish woman, gained worldwide attention in 2023 after claiming she was Madeleine McCann—the British girl who disappeared from a Portuguese resort in 2007.
Her claims sparked controversy, with many believing it was a hoax. But now, the situation has taken another unexpected turn.
Using the social media name @IamMadeleineMcCann, Julia asked for help, saying she wanted to talk to Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann. She pointed out physical similarities and even appeared on Dr. Phil to share her story. However, after receiving backlash and even threats, she later took back her claims and apologized to the McCanns.
Julia said that therapy made her realize she had unclear childhood memories. She started to wonder if she had been adopted. But when she asked her family, they dismissed her concerns. This led her to search missing persons websites.
“I never wanted to hurt anyone – including the McCanns,” Julia said. “I just wanted to know who I really am.” She added that if she could do things differently, she would never have gone on social media.
New DNA Test Raises Questions
Now, Julia’s case has taken another twist.
According to the Daily Mail, Julia claims she took a DNA test, which was reviewed by a famous expert. The results were compared to DNA from the crime scene where Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007.
The unnamed expert allegedly said the results strongly suggest that Gerry McCann could be her father. Julia has now shared these “results” on her new social media account, claiming that Kate and Gerry McCann refused to participate in testing.
Adding to the controversy, the expert reportedly said Julia’s DNA was a “perfect match” to samples taken from the holiday apartment where Madeleine disappeared.
Beyond DNA, experts also analyzed her eyes, teeth, and voice, comparing them to Madeleine, who was only 3 years old when she went missing on May 3, 2007.
Families Reject DNA Testing
Despite the new claims, both Julia’s Polish parents and the McCanns are unwilling to take a DNA test to confirm or deny the results.
This conflicts with a previous statement from private investigator Dr. Fia Johansson, who in 2023 said Julia’s DNA proved she was fully Polish. Julia’s parents continue to insist she is their biological daughter and has no link to the missing British girl.
Madeleine McCann’s disappearance remains one of the world’s most famous unsolved cases. Her parents believe she was abducted from their holiday apartment in Portugal while they were dining nearby.