2 months ago 03rd Sep 14:25
The flagship documentary series, Cutting Edge returns, with a new run of distinctive and compelling films offering a snapshot of life in Britain and beyond. The first programme tells the extraordinary story of Tania Head, one of the world's most audacious fakers.
In the years following the 9/11 attacks, many stories emerged of triumph, tragedy and heroism. But one story stood out. Tania Head, one of only 19 people at or above the point of impact to survive, who also lost her fiancée in the attacks.
As she became President of the World Trade Centre Survivors Network, Tania's vivid account of miraculous escape and tragic loss convinced everyone - politicians, press, fellow survivors and the families of those who died in the attacks. But Tania wasn't who she said she was. And on the day of the attacks she wasn't even in New York; she was thousands of miles away in Spain.
When she joined the 9/11 Survivors Network, Tania Head impressed her fellow survivors with how well she seemed to be coping. Within months of joining she had helped the network to get official status, secured state funding and asked a trauma expert to lead therapy sessions. She even supported the organisation with her own money and, in 2004, arranged the first survivors' visit to Ground Zero.
Barbara Conrad, a former member of the Survivors Network, recalls that, at meetings, "she would walk in and barely make it to her seat because she'd be surrounded, almost by fans".
No one questioned Tania, even when there seemed to be small inconsistencies in her version of events. Was the man she lost her fiancée or her husband? Why did a man in a red bandana - known to have saved the lives of many others that day - only appear in later versions of her story?
But, as her fame grew, so, finally, did the questions. In September 2007, the New York Times published a front page article questioning Tania's account. Shortly afterwards, she packed her bags and disappeared.
Your Comments:
by predator - 13:56:09 12th Sep 2008
that was unbeliveable my uncle has also visted ground zero and says its the worst place he's ever been
by Andy - 11:54:04 12th Sep 2008
So what if she lied? She got the right help to the right people and she got funding and attention where it was needed. Yeah, she is screwed up but... READ MORE
by Duane - 09:36:40 12th Sep 2008
Emma are you one of these belly rubbers? that go out and "understand" why she did this? who gives a crap, this girl told a lie that made other peop... READ MORE
by Emma - 07:49:02 12th Sep 2008
Interesting story, but very badly told. One of the most padded-out documentaries I've seen in a long time, with absolutely no investigative input. Sur... READ MORE
by Spitulike - 23:21:10 11th Sep 2008
This woman truly deserves a left handed popcorn scoop.
by robert martin - 22:55:54 11th Sep 2008
I have visited ground zero twice and have felt so sad.I am shocked that anyone could carry out such a terrible lie.
by mark - 22:40:12 11th Sep 2008
THAT WOMAN SHUD BE SO ASHAMED OF HERSELF SHE MADE A NATIONAL TRAGEDY INTO A FARCE FOR HER OWN GREED FOR LIMELIGHT TO BE HONEST THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT... READ MORE
by natalie - 19:15:58 11th Sep 2008
this woman should have been ashamed of herself!. she shouldnt of acted like she knew what the survivors were going through , and tried to empahthise w... READ MORE
by HANNAH UK - 14:26:47 11th Sep 2008
This woman should be ashamed of herself! the poor people who was in there have to live with the memory all there life while she pretends to! she shoul... READ MORE
by Dave - 19:51:59 7th Sep 2008
This isn't uncommon. Within a month of 9/11 a friend of mine in the UK had met a "New York fire fighter" on the Net. She wanted to meet this hero and ... READ MORE