logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

E! News: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry React to Revelation of Tabloid Payments for Private Info

Joe Akins
Mar 19, 2021
08:20 P.M.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reacted after a private investigator admitted that he sold private information to a UK tabloid in 2016.

Advertisement

Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on March 7, 2021, a raft of reactions and developments have followed.

The latest royal development occurred on Thursday. Daniel Portley-Hanks, a private investigator, revealed that The Sun, a UK tabloid, paid him to release private information on Meghan shortly after she started dating Harry.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle visiting to Canada House in on January 7, 2020. | Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle visiting to Canada House in on January 7, 2020. | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

Portley-Hanks made these revelations known to The New York Times. The tabloid reviewed an invoice allegedly showing that the private investigator sold secret information to James Beal, The US editor of The Sun, for $2,055.

The information Portley-Hanks sold include cellphone numbers, home addresses, and Social Security numbers. With those details, The Sun was allegedly able to publish negative stories about Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, and her father, Thomas Markle.

Advertisement

Following Portley-Hanks' revelations, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made a statement in which they explained why they feel there is a need for changes in the media industry.

In the royal couple's statement, obtained by E! News, the couple said the recent development served as an important moment of reflection for the media industry and society.

Meghan sued the tabloid for invading her privacy after it published parts of a letter she wrote to her estranged father.

Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry depart after attending the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 09, 2020, in London, England | Photo: Getty Images

Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry depart after attending the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 09, 2020, in London, England | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

They noted that the investigative report showed that the predatory practices of days past remain in the world today and cause irreversible damages for families and relationships.

The couple expressed gratitude to media workers who stand for upholding journalism's values which are needed now more than ever before.

This is not the first time Harry and Meghan will be clashing with UK tabloids. In February, the duchess won a privacy lawsuit against a British tabloid, The Mail.

Advertisement

Meghan sued the tabloid for invading her privacy after it published parts of a letter she wrote to her estranged father.

Following the court judgment, she made a statement calling out the tabloid for its illegal and dehumanizing practices.

She said such acts are like a game for media outlets. For Meghan and many others, it's about real life, real relationships, and real sadness. The damage these kinds of outlets do and continue to do, she said, runs deep.

Following the duchess's victory at the tabloid lawsuit, The court ordered The Mail to publish a front-page statement acknowledging her victory and also print a notice on page three of its papers stating that it infringed on her copyright by its actions.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Harry Felt Diana Was 'Chased to Death' While Dating Man Who 'Wasn't White' & Feared It Happening to Meghan

April 18, 2022

Harry & Meghan Reportedly Might Use Kids as a ‘Weapon’ for Family Reunion Though She Does Not Want to Return

April 03, 2022

Charles Introduced Camilla to His Sons after Diana's Death — Harry Allegedly Still 'Can't Stand' Her

May 03, 2022

Meghan Markle Left ‘Disappointed’ When She Met & Realised Who Kate Middleton Was - Kate Once Made Her Cry

February 22, 2022

Prince Harry Wants to Make Sure Queen Is ‘Protected’ While He Lives in America Where He Calls His ‘Home’ Now

April 20, 2022

Kate & Harry 'Got on like They'd Known Each Other Forever' — She Helped Him Fill Hole Left by Diana's Death

September 23, 2022

Meghan Markle Felt Sorry for Kate Who Had to Put Makeup & Heels on Hours after Giving Birth, Source Claims

April 20, 2022

Harry Behaves 'like a Child Stamping His Feet' as Queen's Health Has Worsened, Reports Say

March 16, 2022

Eugenie May Try to Reunite Meghan & Harry with Royals despite Queen Banning Them All from Balcony Ceremony

May 17, 2022

Camilla Felt Free to Publicly Hold Hands & Kiss Meghan Markle, Whom She Allegedly Later Called 'Ungrateful'

February 27, 2022

Philip Attended Harry's Wedding in Agonizing Pain & Said 'We Were Wrong' about Meghan a Year Later

May 19, 2022

Harry & Meghan Will Bring Kids to Queen’s Jubilee despite Queen Banning Them from Palace Balcony Ceremony

May 10, 2022

Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Diana Takes Her 1st Steps — Inside His Life as a 'Proud Papa'

April 22, 2022

Meghan Markle's Request for Specialist's Help Was Rejected by Palace — 7 Royals Got Therapy

May 13, 2022