The Sussexes Under Fire: French Media’s Scathing Criticism Sparks Controversy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves under intense scrutiny from the French media in recent weeks, with British journalist Peter Allen highlighting the backlash they have faced following a series of controversial events.

While Meghan Markle received praise in the US for her appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, the couple has been facing heavy criticism for their recent scandals.

The latest issue of the popular French magazine Paris Match features scathing headlines targeting the Sussexes, particularly focusing on Meghan's recent apology to a court for providing misleading information in her privacy case against the Mail on Sunday's publishers.

The magazine's front page boldly questions, “Why Meghan Lied,” while another headline reads, “The Mask Slips.”

Paris Match, known for its large readership and social media following, has historically been respectful towards the Sussex royals.

However, British journalist Peter Allen noted a significant shift in tone, emphasizing the magazine's harsh criticism of Harry and Meghan.

He took to Twitter to express his astonishment at the damaging headlines directed at the couple.

According to Allen, the French media's negative portrayal of the Sussexes marks a departure from their previous coverage, which often celebrated the couple's relationship milestones.

Sun on Sunday political editor David Wooding suggested that Harry and Meghan's public image is deteriorating beyond the borders of the UK, especially in light of Meghan's recent legal battles over privacy issues.

Meghan's legal dispute with the Mail on Sunday and its online platform stemmed from the publication of a letter she wrote to her father, Thomas Markle, after her marriage to Prince Harry.

Despite winning a court ruling in her favor earlier this year, the publisher is seeking to overturn the decision, arguing that Meghan knowingly allowed private information to be disclosed in collaboration with the authors of the book “Finding Freedom.”

Former press secretary Jason Knauf's testimony revealed that Meghan was aware of his interactions with the book's authors and had provided briefing notes for their meetings.

Knauf stated that both Meghan and Harry had authorized his cooperation with the authors in late 2018, emphasizing the importance of controlling the narrative surrounding their public image.

In a public statement, Meghan acknowledged that Knauf had shared information with the authors on her behalf but claimed ignorance regarding the extent of the details disclosed.

She expressed regret for not recalling certain email exchanges related to the book, emphasizing that her intentions were never to mislead the court or the defendants involved in the legal proceedings.

The ongoing legal battle and the French media's critical coverage have added to the challenges faced by the Sussexes as they navigate public scrutiny and legal complexities.

Despite their efforts to defend their privacy and reputation, the couple continues to face backlash and skepticism from various quarters, highlighting the complexities of their high-profile status and the relentless media attention they attract.