The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, found themselves in the midst of a dramatic car chase in Manhattan, which has stirred controversy and skepticism among notable figures.
Piers Morgan, Megyn Kelly, and Caitlyn Jenner have publicly criticized the couple’s account of the harrowing two-hour pursuit by aggressive paparazzi on Tuesday night.
In response to the Sussexes’ claims, a spokesperson for the couple asserted that they were pursued by a relentless ring of paparazzi, leading to a high-stakes car chase.
However, the New York Police Department issued a statement downplaying the severity of the incident, mentioning the presence of numerous photographers that made transportation challenging without any reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests.
Despite the lack of official repercussions, Prince Harry was quick to document the chaos unfolding around them using his cell phone while inside a taxi.
Piers Morgan, having interviewed the Sussexes’ taxi driver, insinuated that the couple might be leveraging this ordeal for their upcoming Netflix projects, dubbing it as “Netflix 2.0 content” or potential material for legal battles over security concerns.
Critics have pointed out discrepancies in the Sussexes’ behavior, particularly highlighting their alleged attempt to orchestrate confrontations with paparazzi to generate sympathetic footage for future projects or legal disputes.
Jenna, who herself has faced paparazzi scrutiny, dismissed the couple’s claims, emphasizing that being followed by photographers is an occupational hazard rather than a near-catastrophic event.
Notably, Meghan Markle’s demeanor during the incident raised eyebrows, with observations of her smiling and seemingly neglecting to fasten her seatbelt upon entering a yellow cab post-chase.
In a documentary, Prince Harry lamented the relentless scrutiny faced by Markle from both online trolls and paparazzi, likening it to a predatory dynamic where she is the prey.
However, Ken Wharfe, a former bodyguard for the royal family, including Princess Diana, cast doubt on the narrative of a prolonged and dangerous car chase.
Wharfe emphasized the professional conduct of paparazzi, acknowledging their nuisance but disputing claims of intentional harm.
He also criticized the decision to speed away from photographers, suggesting a breakdown in security protocols and coordination with law enforcement.
In light of conflicting perspectives and interpretations surrounding the Sussexes’ car chase saga, questions linger about the true nature of the incident and the motivations behind the public disclosures.
As the debate continues to unfold, the narrative surrounding the events in Manhattan remains clouded in uncertainty and skepticism, prompting deeper scrutiny into the dynamics of celebrity life and media interactions.