A Polish woman who has claimed to be Madeleine McCann was charged with stalking following her arrest at Bristol Airport. Julia Wandelt, 23, also known as Julia Faustyna and Julia Wendell, was taken by police on February 19, 2025, shortly after landing from Poland. Her arrest marks the culmination of her controversial claims and the legal issues arising from them.
According to Leicestershire Police, "Last night (Wednesday 19 February), two women were arrested at Bristol Airport as part of anongoing investigation." The police confirmed Wandelt was arrested alongside another woman on suspicion of stalking involving serious alarm and distress. Details about the second individual, who is 60 years old and from Wales, reveal she has since been released on bail.
Wandelt’s desire to prove her connection to the McCann family began capturing public attention back in February 2023. She gained notoriety after creating Instagram accounts claiming to be Madeleine, even posting under the handle '@IAmMadeleineMcCann'. Her assertions sparked media frenzy, leading her to various interviews, including appearances on American talk show 'Dr. Phil.' During these shows, Wandelt expressed her belief, backed by dubious DNA claims, connecting her to the McCanns. Unfortunately for her, DNA tests indicated she is fully Polish and not the missing girl.
Earlier this month, Wandelt revealed she had taken new DNA tests, claiming she had been linked to the McCann family, asserting they had denied participation. These declarations raised eyebrows, but criticism mounted following allegations she harassed Kate and Gerry McCann, Madeleine's parents. Stalking charges have been brought against her, citing incidents spanning from May 2024 to February 2025 where Wandelt allegedly caused serious alarm and distress to the McCann family through various forms of communication.
Julia Wandelt's representative, Surjit Singh Clair, attempted to clarify her situation but stated, "There’s not a lot I can say, it’s a legal matter." Following Wandelt's arrest, Clair acknowledged the difficulties posed by the allegations, leading to significant media scrutiny and public backlash. He characterized the allegations of stalking as "nonsense" and insisted Wandelt was travelling to meet a friend when detained.
Despite her claims to be related to the McCann family, Wandelt's assertions are complicated by the disappointing results of previous DNA tests conducted during her appearances. The representative of the McCann family released statements confirming they never had any ties to Wandelt and have long fought against the public’s doubts concerning Madeleine's disappearance.
Wandelt's family, too, has come forward, asserting, "For us as a family, it is obvious Julia is our daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and stepniece," as they refuted her claims about being adopted and undergoing hardships related to her identity crisis. This family stance adds another layer to the tragic narrative surrounding Wandelt and her increasingly contentious claims.
The four counts of stalking bring forth allegations including harassment and intimidation aimed at the McCann family. Wandelt's actions allegedly include sending alarming letters and messages directly to them and even appearing at their home address, which has left the family feeling distressed. The details of her upcoming court appearance at Leicester Magistrates' Court slated for February 21, 2025, will certainly be followed closely by media outlets, as the case reflects broader issues of mental health, identity, and public repercussion of false claims.
Julia Wandelt's fixation on being Madeleine McCann has not only thrown her life but also affected the McCann family severely, who wish for closure and answers about their daughter’s fate since she disappeared during their family holiday back on May 3, 2007. This distressing case continues to evolve, showcasing the complex and often tragic consequences of false claims and public obsession with missing person cases.