The lawsuit centers on Meghan’s statement in the Oprah interview, where she said she grew up as “an only child.” Samantha, who claims they were close until 2018, felt this portrayal was false and damaging. She also objected to Meghan’s descriptions of Samantha’s actions in media and public life, including sections in the book Finding Freedom and the Netflix series Harry & Meghan .
In March 2023, U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell dismissed Samantha’s lawsuit, stating that Meghan’s comments were expressions of personal opinion rather than objectively verifiable facts. The judge noted that Samantha failed to identify any statements that would legally support claims of defamation or defamation by implication. Additionally, since the suit was dismissed “with prejudice,” Samantha cannot refile certain claims, including those related to the book, ‘Finding Freedom.’
In her amended complaint, Samantha alleges that Meghan used her public profile to spread false claims, labeling her as a liar, a stranger, and a fame seeker. She contends that these statements caused her significant reputational and emotional harm. Moreover, she claims that Meghan’s remarks led to a surge of online harassment directed at her, potentially facilitated through automated “bot networks.”
Meghan’s attorneys argue that she has the constitutional right to express her opinions and cannot be held liable for third-party interpretations in books she did not directly author. Following the initial dismissal, Meghan’s legal team stated they would only give the case “the minimum attention necessary, which is all it deserves.” Meanwhile, her father, Thomas Markle Sr., has expressed his support for Samantha and indicated a willingness to testify on her behalf.
