Meghan Markles lawyer tells controversial BBC doc there are huge inaccuracies in bullying allegations

[ad_1]

Meghan Markles’ lawyer has denied allegations that the Duchess of Sussex intimidated palace staff before stepping down as a senior member of the British Royal Family.

In the second installment of the BBC’s controversial “Princes and the Press” docuseries, lawyer Jenny Afia said there were “massive inaccuracies” in the allegations published by the UK Times in March, the UK Times reported on Tuesday. UKs Express.

According to the outlet, presenter Amol Rajan asked, “Were there any inaccuracies in this story?

“Yes, huge inaccuracies have been told in this story,” Afia replied.

She also stressed that the Duchess of Sussex was “absolutely not” guilty of bullying.

KATE MIDDLETON SENDING INVITATIONS TO ITV’S NOL CONCERT ON BBC SNUB AMID THE ROYAL DOC DRAMA

Meghan Markle’s team strongly denied allegations that the Duchess of Sussex intimidated palace staff. (Photo by NDZ / Star Max / GC Images)

“And I think the first thing is to be very clear about what bullying is,” she explained. “What bullying really means is using power repeatedly and deliberately to hurt someone physically or emotionally. The Duchess of Sussex has absolutely denied ever having done this. That said, she wouldn’t want to. deny anyone’s personal experiences. “

“So you provided the Times with refuting evidence, providing evidence to show that it wasn’t?” Rajan asked, as quoted by the outlet.

“It’s really hard to prove a negative result, because if you haven’t bullied someone, how do you show it? Said Afia. “Do you just have to deny an allegation?” [Its like saying] I did not beat my wife. It does not solve the underlying problem. “

Markles’ team has strongly refuted the claims since they were made public by the UK Times.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Meghan Markle, an American actress, became the Duchess of Sussex when she married British Prince Harry in May 2018 (Photo by Getty)

“The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, especially as someone who has been bullied and is deeply committed to supporting those who have suffered pain and trauma,” a spokesperson previously said. of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. in a statement sent to Fox News.

“She is determined to continue her work of developing compassion around the world and will continue to strive to lead by example by doing what is right and doing what is right,” the statement added.

The allegation came days before the couple’s televised meeting with Oprah Winfrey.

According to The Times, the complaint was first filed in October 2018 by Jason Knauf, the couple’s former communications secretary. The complaint alleged that the former American actress kicked two personal assistants out of the home and undermined the trust of a third staff member.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping down as senior members of the British Royal Family. (PA)

The outlet reported that Knauf filed the complaint in an attempt to protect palace workers who alleged they were intimidated by Markle, 40. Some said they were even reduced to tears.

A source alleged that Harry, 37, begged Knauf not to pursue the complaint. However, the couple’s lawyers deny that the meeting took place or that Harry interfered with staff affairs.

The outlet said Knauf allegedly emailed Simon Case, who was Prince Williams’ private secretary at the time. The email was then forwarded to Samantha Carruthers, Human Resources Manager. In the email, Knauf claimed that Carruthers “agreed with me on all points that the situation was very serious”, adding: “I remain concerned that nothing will be done”.

BBC DOCUMENTARY ON PRINCE HARRY, THE ALLEGED CAST IRON OF PRINCE WILLIAM SLACKED BY THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departures from royal duties began in 2020 over what they described as British media intrusions and racist attitudes towards the former Suits star. (PA)

A spokesperson for the Sussexes hit back at the allegations reported by The Times.

“Let’s just call it a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and damaging disinformation,” the media spokesperson told the outlet.

“We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media,” continued the spokesperson. “It is no coincidence that distorted, years-old accusations aimed at undermining the Duchess are presented to the British media shortly before she and the Duke speak openly and honestly about their experiences of the past few years.”

Last week, the British royal family united and issued a rare joint statement condemning the BBC for publicizing “exaggerated and unfounded claims” in “The Princes and The Press”.

PRINCE CHARLES WAS THE ROYAL WHO INVESTIGATED THE COMPLEXION OF MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY’S FIRST BORN, SAYS THE BOOK

In an apparent snub to the BBC’s Kate Middleton holiday special, it will now air on rival ITV in December. (Photo by Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool / Getty Images)

The docuseries focus on the relationship between the royal brothers and the media. The first episode featured reporters and commentators describing how information was obtained, whether through leaks, “dishonest practices” or unofficial briefings between royal sources and reporters. The special also focused on the brothers’ different approaches when it comes to handling the media scrutiny.

The aim of the documentary, according to the network, was to explore whether negative stories about the royal family were based on information from people linked to other royal households.

The end of the program included a statement made to the BBC by Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace regarding the allegations. They represent the homes of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and William.

“A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance for a healthy democracy,” said the statement, quoted by ITV. “However, too often these are exaggerated and unfounded claims from anonymous sources that are presented as fact and it is disappointing that anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility.”

MEGHAN MARKLE’S ‘ELLEN’ APPEARANCE WAS THE OPPOSITE OF ‘DIGNIFIED’, SAYS ROYAL AUTHOR

The royal homes have spoken out against the documentary which focuses on the relationship between the royal brothers and the media. (Getty)

In response, the BBC said the program focused on “how royal journalism is done and features a range of journalists from the broadcast and newspaper industry”.

“The film also showed the extent of the threat to the privacy of a press hungry for stories about young royals,” they continued. “This included the claims of private investigator Gavin Burrows, who said he now regrets his involvement in the prosecution of newspaper articles about Prince Harry and his ex-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy.”

They noted that Burrows’ claims “have yet to be tested in court and are strongly contested.”

Representatives of the royal homes did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.

MEGHAN MARKLE ON ‘ELLEN’: THE DUCHESS DRINKING A BOTTLE, SINGING AND SQUATS IN A VIDEO PRANK

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in California with their two children. (Photo by Chris Jackson – Pool / Getty Images)

In the first episode, Afia responded to reports of alleged intimidation by the Duchess of Sussex against palace staff.

“These stories were false,” she said, quoted by ITV. “This story that no one can work for the Duchess of Sussex, she was too difficult and demanding as a boss and everyone had to leave, just isn’t true.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departures from royal duties began in 2020 over what they described as British media intrusions and racist attitudes towards the former ‘Suits’ star. The family now resides in the coastal town of Montecito, California with their two children.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[ad_2]