Crime | Madeleine McCann McCann Family Pals Win Libel Settlement Tabloids hit with $650K judgment for 'wholly untrue' claims By Matt Cantor Posted Oct 17, 2008 10:02 AM CDT Copied In this March 2007 file photo, released by the McCann family on May 4, 2007, British girl Madeleine McCann is seen in Liverpool, England. (AP Photo/McCann Family) A British tabloid company has paid some $650,000 in libel damages after printing false information about the friends who dined with Madeleine McCann’s parents on the night of the 3-year-old’s disappearance. The Express Newspapers chain apologized to the group and agreed that its claims were “wholly untrue,” the Guardian reports. Both newspapers also printed apologies to the so-called tapas seven. “The defamatory stories written about us were not only extremely damaging on a personal level but we strongly feel were detrimental to the search for Madeleine,” said a member of the group. "Our only aim is to see her safely recovered and reunited with the family who so adore her." Read These Next JD Vance in hot water over birthday boating trip. "Rock's forgotten genius" said no to Led Zeppelin. Kelly Clarkson's ex died a day after she disclosed he was ill. Trump is demanding a 'new' census. Report an error