The UK tabloids just can’t seem to leave Meghan Markle alone, can they? After winning her privacy lawsuit against Associated Newspapers and just days before her highly anticipated sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, a new report from the UK’s The Times has surfaced claiming that the Duchess of Sussex is facing a bullying complaint from one of her former advisers during her time at Kensington Palace. Frankly, I’m tired of these baseless attacks against Meghan, and I can’t even begin to imagine how tired she is.
“Let’s just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.”
On Wednesday, Meghan and Prince Harry’s spokesperson released a statement to People addressing the bullying allegations, which reportedly took place in 2018.
“The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma,” the statement read. “She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”
According to the claims, Meghan “drove two personal assistants out of the household and undermined the confidence of a third staff member.” Meghan has denied the claims, and her spokesperson also gave a statement to The Times, saying, “Let’s just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet. It’s no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.”
Buckingham Palace has since released a statement, saying it will be looking into the allegations. “We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” the statement. “Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article. Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned. The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”
During their interview with Oprah – which airs on CBS on March 7 – Meghan and Harry will discuss a variety of topics, including their marriage, their royal exit, and what’s next for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The interview will mark the couple’s first since officially stepping down as senior British royals.
