A woman from Poland facing accusations of stalking Madeleine McCann reportedly consulted an AI chatbot to inquire if she could potentially be the missing three-year-old. The court was informed that the chatbot, named ChatGPT, indicated to Julia Wandelt, aged 24, that there was a chance she might be Madeleine based on DNA comparisons but stressed the need for more evidence for confirmation.
During proceedings at Leicester Crown Court, it emerged that Wandelt had requested the chatbot to analyze her DNA against a sample recovered from the location where Madeleine went missing in Praia da Luz, Portugal. However, forensic analysis contradicted any match with Gerry McCann’s genetic profile.
In a series of conversations, the chatbot suggested a possible father-child relationship based on the DNA profiles. Wandelt was reported to have asked the chatbot if she could be Madeleine McCann, to which the response highlighted the necessity of additional evidence, such as a DNA test, to ascertain any potential connection.
The prosecution revealed exchanges between Wandelt and the AI chatbot, showcasing her persistent belief that she might be the missing girl. Allegations were made that Wandelt propagated this misconception while stalking Mr. McCann and his wife between June 2022 and February 2023.
Moreover, Wandelt’s correspondence with a missing persons charity indicated her confusion regarding her identity, initially comparing herself to a girl from Germany named Inga Gehricke and later shifting focus to Acacia Bishop, who was abducted in 2003. Despite these claims, the charity swiftly debunked Wandelt’s theories, reinforcing that she was not the individuals she believed herself to be.
The trial involving Wandelt and her co-defendant, Karen Spragg, who both deny the charge of stalking, is ongoing at Leicester Crown Court.
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