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GB News Issues Apology for False Claims About Meghan Markle’s Mother
UK news network GB News has issued a formal apology after one of its broadcasters falsely claimed that Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, had spent time in prison. The incident has sparked backlash from representatives of the Duchess of Sussex, who condemned the spreading of misinformation.
During a December 4 broadcast, commentator Carole Malone erroneously stated that Thomas Markle “brought her [Meghan] up while her mother was in jail.” Malone, 71, was later forced to retract the statement and apologized on air this Monday.
“I believed this to be the case based on what I now understand to be misinformation I had seen online,” Malone acknowledged in her on-air apology. “I was questioned about the validity of this claim during the broadcast and I repeated this belief, which I now understand to be false.”
The broadcaster concluded her statement by saying, “This was a genuine error. I accept what I have been told on behalf of Ms. Ragland — that she raised her daughter and that she has never been in prison or jail. I apologize sincerely to Ms. Ragland and her family for any pain my comments may have caused.”
Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex responded forcefully to the incident, suggesting the apology came only under threat of legal action.
“Broadcasters have a responsibility to inform, not inflame,” their statement read. “This lie was conclusively debunked more than two years ago, yet it continues to be recycled by irresponsible commentators, causing recurring harm. Ms Ragland proudly raised her daughter and has never been in prison.”
The statement further alleged that “GB News did not apologize voluntarily, but only to escape a defamation lawsuit,” adding that the network removed “any trace of that apology within 24 hours of making it.”
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the Markle family, as Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, 81, recently underwent surgery in the Philippines to have his left leg amputated below the knee. Thomas Markle Jr. told the Daily Mail that his father suffered a blood clot that cut off circulation to his leg, causing the limb to turn black, creating a life-threatening situation.
According to a spokesperson for Meghan, the Duchess was able to deliver a letter to her father during his hospitalization after attempting to reach out to him. “With the support of reliable and trusted contacts, her correspondence is now safely in his hands,” the representative confirmed.
Meghan and her father have been estranged since before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Their relationship deteriorated after Thomas was accused of staging paparazzi photos for money prior to the royal wedding. In the 2022 Netflix docuseries “Harry and Meghan,” the Duchess recalled confronting her father about these allegations, saying she offered to help him escape media attention but he declined.
Following her parents’ divorce in 1987 after 10 years of marriage, Meghan was largely raised by her mother. Doria Ragland, 69, has maintained a close relationship with her daughter and was the only member of Meghan’s family present at the royal wedding.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and certain media outlets, particularly in the UK, where coverage of the couple has often been contentious since their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.
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5 Comments
Spreading misinformation about someone’s family is irresponsible and damaging. I’m glad the broadcaster issued a sincere apology for the false claims about Meghan Markle’s mother. We should strive for accuracy and respect, especially when discussing public figures and their personal lives.
Absolutely. Retracting the statement and apologizing publicly was the right thing to do. Fact-checking is crucial to prevent the spread of harmful rumors and false narratives.
While I appreciate the broadcaster’s apology, the initial false claim about Meghan Markle’s mother being in prison is quite troubling. Spreading unsubstantiated rumors can have serious consequences for the individuals involved. I hope this incident prompts a broader discussion about media ethics and fact-checking.
This is a concerning incident that highlights the need for greater media accountability. Journalists have a responsibility to verify information before publishing, especially when it involves sensitive personal details. I hope this serves as a lesson for more rigorous editorial standards.
I agree. The broadcaster acknowledged their mistake, which is admirable, but the damage may already be done. Repairing reputations and restoring trust is a challenging process after such a lapse in journalistic integrity.