According to a recent report, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have expressed their astonishment at the reaction received regarding their claims about the car chase.
“They insist their account of the car chase was absolutely not exaggerated, and for people to say otherwise is so hurtful and out of line,” a source said.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced considerable criticism following their allegations about the car chase, yet they remain determined to address the issue openly.
As far as staying out of sight and being scared to show their faces, that’s not going to happen,” the source told the outlet. “[This has] just strengthened their resolve to keep standing up for themselves and speaking out when they feel wronged.”
The couple’s representative has firmly dismissed any speculation suggesting that the crash was embellished as a publicity tactic. Publicist Ashley Hansen, referring to Princess Diana’s tragic car accident in 1997 while trying to evade paparazzi, emphasized the lack of credibility in considering this incident a PR stunt. Hansen expressed strong disapproval, deeming such assumptions reprehensible.
“Respectfully, considering the duke’s family history, one would have to think nothing of the couple or anybody associated with them to believe this was any sort of PR stunt,” publicist Ashley said, adding, “Quite frankly, I think that’s abhorrent.”
Harry and Meghan recounted a harrowing experience of a nearly catastrophic two-hour pursuit by paparazzi in New York City earlier this month. The incident occurred as they were returning from the Women of Vision Awards at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, where Meghan was recognized for her advocacy work by Gloria Steinem. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, was also in attendance at the event.
“It started off with 12 paparazzi, then ended up with four chasing [Meghan, Harry and Doria],” an insider said. “Their security tried their best to lose [photographers].”
The incident sparked numerous parallels to the paparazzi car chase that tragically claimed the life of Princess Diana in a Paris tunnel.
Harry, who was 12 years old at the time of his mother’s passing, has consistently expressed his strong emotions regarding the paparazzi. In the past, he has openly shared that he grieves for his mother “whenever a camera appears, at every click, and with every flash.”
The NYPD spokesperson stated that the incident is currently being investigated. Although the situation was chaotic, they reassured that it was ultimately managed and brought under control.
“There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging,” the NYPD said in a statement. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry described their involvement in a car chase as a near-catastrophic experience, attributing it to the relentless pursuit of an extremely aggressive paparazzi ring.
“This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers,” the spokesperson said. “While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety.”
Backgrid USA, a photo agency, has addressed the incident and asserted that their photographers “had no intention of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras.”
“At Backgrid USA Inc., we value transparency and ethics in journalism, which include providing fair and factual responses to claims,” the agency said in a statement. “We are aware of Prince Harry’s statement regarding an alleged ‘near catastrophic car chase’ involving himself, Meghan Markle, and her mother.”
During an interview, taxi driver Sukhcharn “Sonny” Singh, who safely transported the couple to their destination, described the incident as “pretty crazy” but “it wasn’t scary.” Additionally, a source from “ET” revealed that were fearful. Certainly, the memories and echoes of what happened to Harry’s mother was front of mind.”
