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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

Family of woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann make desperate appeal amid TV appearance

The Polish woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann has said she wants no contact with the couple who raised her, even if they are found to be her biological family.

Julia Wendell, who also goes by the names of Julia Faustyna or Julia Wandelt, appeared on Dr Phil on Monday to discuss what her next steps are once she gets her DNA results back.

The 21-year-old is adamant she is the missing school child who disappeared while on holiday with her parents in Praia De Luz, Portugal, in 2007.

She is currently waiting for the DNA results which will confirm or deny her suspicions.

Her family have disputed her claims and said they have been left "devastated" by the situation.

Julia Faustyna claims to be Madeleine McCann (DR Phil)

Appearing on Dr Phil, Julia was asked what she would do if in fact the Polish couple who raised her are her biological family.

She firmly stated: "I believe I am Madeleine McCann. If she is my mother, I don't want to have contact with her that's all, but I believe she isn't my mother."

Amid her appearance on the popular talk show, Julia's family have said they have asked her to stop claiming to be Madeleine McCann.

"Julia also has these photos, because she took them from the family home with the birth certificate, as well as numerous hospital discharges.

She appeared on Dr Phil to discuss her claims (DR Phil)

"We always tried to understand all situations that happened with Julia. Numerous therapies, medicines, psychologists and psychiatrists - Julia had it all guaranteed. She wasn't left alone," they said in a statement released in February.

"Threats to our address from Julia, her lies and manipulations, activity on the internet. We've seen it all and we've tried to prevent it, to explain, we've asked her to stop," the statement continued.

"Julia once wanted to be a singer, a model. She always wanted to be popular. What's happening now she got one million followers.

"We're afraid Julia will carry the inevitable. The internet won't forget, and it's obvious that Julia isn't Maddie. We are devastated at this current situation."

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