Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s rep denies automobile chase was ‘PR stunt’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s spokesperson is shutting down hypothesis that the Sussexes exaggerated their New York Metropolis automobile chase as a way to achieve publicity.

“Respectfully, contemplating the duke’s household historical past, one must assume nothing of the couple or anyone related to them to imagine this was any type of PR stunt,” publicist Ashley Hansen tells Web page Six, referencing Princess Diana’s deadly automobile crash with paparazzi in 1997. “Fairly frankly, I feel that’s abhorrent.”

Harry, 38, and Markle, 41, have been concerned in a pursuit with paparazzi within the Massive Apple on Might 16.

Hansen launched an announcement on the time on behalf of the couple that claimed the chase was “close to catastrophic” and lasted over “two hours.”

The outline of the incident was met with a lot skepticism given the well-known nature of visitors jams in Manhattan.

Whereas New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams denounced the “reckless and irresponsible” chase, a police supply beforehand advised The Publish that the pursuit “definitely wasn’t two hours” and there have been “no collision reviews or 911 calls.”

Whoopi Goldberg additionally forged doubt on the occasion together with her tackle “The View.”

“I feel individuals in New York know if it was potential to have automobile chases in New York, we’d all make it to the theater on time,” the co-host, 67, defined on her speak present.

“I feel their spokesperson referenced one thing that you just usually would reference in Los Angeles. That’s the place you’ve got chases. That’s the place you’ll be able to transfer at excessive speeds.”

Former “Actual Housewives of New York Metropolis” star Bethenny Frankel — additionally a longtime resident of the concrete jungle — roasted Harry and Markle over the incident.

“What’s happening?” the Bravolebrity, 52, requested in a video posted on Instagram final Friday. “Is [sic] Mr. Magoo and Elmo who their publicist is? Somebody management the beast.”

Even one among Harry’s pals stated that the outline of the chase was “hysterical.”

“Everybody understands [Harry’s] anger on the photographers,” the nameless pal defined to the Every day Beast, “however making hysterical statements doesn’t assist issues, particularly when, because the Queen may need stated, recollections might range.”

Royals followers additionally need to know:

Regardless of all the criticism, Harry and Markle haven’t rescinded their aspect of the story. The 2 have, the truth is, requested by way of their legal professional that the photograph company Backgrid hand over footage of the incident as a way to additional substantiate their claims.

Nonetheless, Backgrid has emphatically denied the royals’ declare, saying in an announcement final week, “In keeping with the photographers current, there have been no near-collisions or near-crashes throughout this incident.

“The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in fast hazard at any level.”

The company additionally stated its employed shutterbugs had no intention of “inflicting any misery or hurt, as their solely instrument was their cameras.”

Nonetheless, Backgrid concluded, “We don’t condone any type of harassment or criminality. We’re taking Prince Harry’s allegations significantly and shall be conducting an intensive investigation into the matter.”