- In the case between Meghan Markle and the Daily Mail publishers, Meghan suffered a recent legal setback.
- Parts of her claim were struck out for being irrelevant, complicated, and not meeting procedural requirements. The case will still move forward.
- Meghan reportedly feels that if the press treatment of her had been experienced by Kate Middleton, the Royal Family would have done something about it.
In Meghan Markle's ongoing legal case over her privacy (launched after the Daily Mail published excerpts of a private letter between her and her father), she had a setback today. The judge struck out part of her claim against the Mail on Sunday's publisher Associated Newspapers, in which she claimed that the paper acted "dishonestly" by only publishing parts of it, that it "stirred up" the problems between her and her father, and that it had an "agenda" to publish nasty and defamatory stories about her.
According to royal reporter Omid Scobie, the elements were eliminated because they were judged irrelevant, litigating them would be "disproportionately complicated," and procedural requirements hadn't been met. Meghan's not appealing the ruling. A spokesperson for the lawyers representing Meghan said, in part:
"Today's ruling makes very clear that the core elements of this case do not change and will continue to move forward...the extremes to which The Mail on Sunday used distortive, manipulative, and dishonest tactics to target The Duchess of Sussex have been put on full display...we are surprised to see that [the Judge's] ruling suggests that dishonest behavior is not relevant...Nonetheless, we respect the Judge's decision as the strong case against Associated will continue to focus on the issue of a private, intimate and hand-written letter from a daughter to her father."
Per Scobie, "It was conceded by Mail on Sunday’s legal rep that this ruling will not affect Meghan’s ability 'to get home' on the case." And these elements could be brought back in if done in a relevant, procedurally accurate way later on in the case. So there's still hope, is what I'm saying.
Another rough setback? The legal costs:
Associated Newspapers say they will ask the Duchess of Sussex to pay their legal costs of in excess of £50,000 after the couple refused their offer to deal with the strike-out issue out of court. She will also have to pay her own costs for the hearing last week.May 1, 2020
We'll have to wait and see what happens as the case develops.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Gillian Anderson, Who Played Margaret Thatcher on ‘The Crown,’ Says the Show Ended at Just the Right Time
Anderson stars in another royally adjacent role in another Netflix project, ‘Scoop,’ out next week.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Spring Runways Are Inspiring Endless Slip Skirt Looks
From sheer midi-skirts to satin maxi versions, these are going to be the most covetable styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
‘Euphoria’ Star Storm Reid Is “Disappointed” But “Not Surprised” That Season Three’s Filming Has Been Delayed
“I would hope the viewers, the audience will be able to finish the show.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published