Meghan’s friends go public with support for the duchess ahead of Oprah interview
Who wouldn’t want a friend like former actress Meghan Markle?
At least that’s the vibe being conveyed by her close pals, who over the last 24 hours have gone public with personal testimonies to the onetime “Suits†star’s bona fides.
In the run-up to Sunday’s sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan have been caught up in a public row over the reasons behind their dramatic 2020 exit from the British royal family. On one side, the palace took up an investigation into allegations of workplace bullying by the duchess. On the other, in teasers released from the interview, she claims the royal family perpetuated falsehoods about the couple.
The airing of Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah lands nearly one year after the couple made the U.S. their home.
Overnight, several friends of the royal, who some believe has been unfairly maligned by the British press, shared personal accounts attesting to her strength of character.
Lindsay Roth, a Northwestern alumna (as is Meghan) who was a producer for the late Larry King, shared a post Thursday on Instagram stating she has been friends with the 39-year-old duchess for 22 years.
“Meg’s M.O has always been kindness; goodwill runs in her bones,†Roth wrote. “I have seen firsthand how she treats her friends and their families, and her colleagues.â€
The narrative counters a report in Britain’s the Times newspaper that the duchess left female aides shaken and crying after alleged bullying. These anonymous sources reportedly wanted the public to see their side of the story before watching the much publicized CBS interview. A spokeswoman for the Sussexes called it a “calculated smear campaign.â€
Oprah Winfrey’s highly anticipated interview with Prince Harry and Meghan airs Sunday. Winfrey promises it’s a ‘shocking’ tell-all with the couple.
Silver Tree, an executive producer on USA’s “Suits†and Netflix’s “You,†described the duchess as her “nearest and dearest†in a string of tweets that at first included a picture of Meghan and Harry’s son Archie. That photo was later deleted.
“When you move to a new city she creates a book of all the special things that city can give you ... the little secrets it offers over to you so you’ll feel less homesick,†Tree wrote. “She leaves it on your doorstep so you have it when you wake up.â€
“Suits†costar Patrick Adams also chimed in with a long Twitter thread that took a swipe at the royal family.
“It’s OBSCENE that the Royal Family, who’s [sic] newest member is currently GROWING INSIDE OF HER, is promoting and amplifying accusations of ‘bullying’ against a woman who herself was basically forced to flea [sic] the UK in order protect her family and her own mental health,†Adams wrote.
“Here’s what she is: kind, strong, open,†tweeted actor Janina Gavankar, who appeared in “The Morning Show†and “True Blood.†“Here’s what she’s not: ‘a bully’.â€
Still, all that wasn’t enough to change the mind of Piers Morgan, a fierce critic of the duchess.
“Meghan Markle’s showbiz mates who flew over and grovelled up to the Royals at her wedding now publicly trashing the Monarchy - and suggesting it be abolished.†he wrote on Twitter. “Disgusting.â€
A spokeswoman for the Sussexes declined to comment Friday on the friends’ statements.
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