Sydney Siege: Hostage Marcia Mikhael’s Lawyer Says She Doesn’t Want ‘Insulting’ Interview Fee, Demands Six-Figure Sum
Sydney Siege hostage Marcia Mikhael has a “wonderful story to tell” about the tragic event, but she’ll only share it if paid a six-figure sum.” The lawyer for the 43-year-old victim reportedly said a $10,000 interview fee is deemed “insulting.”
Mikhael was one of the 18 customers and staff taken hostage by Man Haron Monis at the Lindt Chocolate Café at Martin Place on December 15 to 16. She was featured prominently during the 16-hour hostage drama, becoming one of the people forced to record a video message in front of an Islamic flag.
The tragic event ended the lives of barrister Katrina Dawson and café manager Tori Johnson, as well as the gunman’s, during the final shoot-out between Monis and the police in the early hours of December 16. Mikhael was shot in the leg during the siege.
She has already signed a deal with Channel Seven for an interview with Meliss Doyle for an undisclosed amount, but the chance to interview her 10 days after her interview airs in February is still open. Her lawyer Jason Arraj apparently demanded a six-figure sum for her interviews.
Sydney Siege Hostage Marcia Mikhael Gives Exclusive Interview to Channel Seven For an ‘Undisclosed Amount’
According to the Wespac executive’s lawyer, Mikhael has a “wonderful story to tell” about the siege as she was sitting near Dawson when she was killed. But her story isn’t for free or available for a small fee,
“It’s got to be a win-win business transaction,” Arraj told The Australian. “So when I say I don’t want to be insulted, I’m saying I don’t want a figure of $10,000 – that’s not going to cut it at all.”
The amount isn’t for her personal gain, though. The mother of three plans to establish a foundation with the sum to help the siege victims for their mental illness and to assist the family of those who died in the tragedy, Arraj told News Corp.
Mikhael is still suffering from the ordeal. Her lawyer said she has had two surgeries and still has to remove shrapnel in her legs. She also doesn’t sleep at night as she suffers from flashbacks.
