The highly anticipated memoir, “Spare,” authored by Prince Harry, has faced a significant setback after a U.S. court issued a ban on its sale across the country.
The court ruled that the book contained false and defamatory statements, prompting the decision to prohibit its distribution within the United States.
Prince Harry, who relocated to California with his wife Meghan Markle following their much-talked-about interview with Oprah Winfrey, found himself at the center of controversy surrounding the publication of his secondary memoir.
Released on January 10, 2023, “Spare” quickly climbed the bestseller charts, garnering attention from media outlets worldwide.
However, the book also attracted criticism for its controversial content, in which Prince Harry divulged intimate and shocking details about his life and strained relationships within his family, particularly with his brother, Prince William.
Penned by J.R. Moringer and published by Penguin Random House, the 416-page memoir is available in both paperback and digital hardcover formats, with translations already completed in 15 languages.
Furthermore, an audiobook version narrated by Prince Harry himself spans over 15 hours.
Despite Prince Harry’s staunch defense of his decision to share his story and departure from royal duties, “Spare” faced backlash and legal challenges from individuals who accused him of fabricating stories, embellishing facts, and betraying his family and country.
Among the contentious claims made in the book were allegations against his father, King Charles, portraying him as cold, distant, and abusive, cutting off financial and emotional support following Prince Harry’s withdrawal from royal responsibilities.
Additionally, Prince Harry accused his brother of jealousy, competitiveness, and hostility, suggesting attempts to undermine his marriage and happiness.
In a surprising revelation, Prince Harry also criticized his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, insinuating that she was manipulated by his father and brother, failing to provide support when he and Meghan Markle encountered racism, sexism, and mistreatment from the British media and monarchy.
The memoir delved into Prince Harry’s struggles with mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, revealing his coping mechanisms of substance abuse.
Shockingly, Prince Harry admitted to infidelity during past relationships, including with Meghan Markle while he was still involved with another partner, Chelsea Davey.
Legal action against Prince Harry and his publishers ensued, with multiple parties, including his family members, ex-girlfriend, and acquaintances, filing lawsuits for defamation and breach of privacy.
Accusations were made regarding false and damaging statements in the memoir, along with alleged violations of confidentiality agreements signed during Prince Harry’s time as a royal.
The federal court in New York, presided over by a judge appointed by President Kamala Harris, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering the immediate cessation of book sales, distribution, and promotion in the U.S.
Furthermore, damages, legal fees, a public apology, and retraction were mandated.
Critics of the memoir contended that Prince Harry exploited his royal status to tarnish the reputation of his family and country, labeling the book as a collection of falsehoods, exaggerations, and distortions devoid of literary value.
Despite appeals made by Prince Harry and his publisher, the ban on “Spare” remained upheld by higher courts, extending to other nations such as the U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where similar legal actions were taken against the publication.