Meghan Markle's Lawyer Shut Down This Claim About Her
Meghan Markle has been hounded by accusations she bullied palace staff ever since stepping down from the royal family, and particularly after speaking out about how badly she was treated during her time with them, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. Prior to the shocking discussion airing, in March 2021, The Times published damning allegations that Markle had "bullied" several staff members. In an email from her former communications secretary, Jason Knauf, it's alleged the Duchess forced people out of their jobs, as well as intimidating staffers across the board with her "unacceptable" and demanding behavior.
While chatting to Winfrey, Markle clarified that a widely reported incident in which she allegedly made Kate Middleton cry actually happened the other way around (via Elle). Then, in an epilogue to "Finding Freedom," Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand's unauthorized biography, "Sources confirmed that upon discovery of Jason [Knauf]'s email, two of the individuals mentioned in the email asked for any allegations made to HR about their experiences with Meghan to be rescinded," per Entertainment Tonight. The Sussexes described the allegations as part of a "calculated smear campaign" (via Sky News).
Now, another Markle ally has stepped forward to clarify what kind of person she really is.
Meghan Markle's lawyer made it clear she's not a bully
During an appearance in controversial BBC documentary "The Princes and the Press," Jenny Afria, Meghan Markle's representation in her ongoing legal case against the Mail on Sunday's publishers, spoke out about what kind of boss the Duchess really is. According to People, Afia had Markle's permission to speak on her behalf in the doc, which is causing major issues within the royal family due to incendiary claims being made about how they reportedly manipulate the British press.
"This narrative that no one could work for the Duchess of Sussex, that she was too difficult or demanding a boss, and that everyone had to leave, is just not true," Afia stated firmly. Moreover, she made it clear any allegations of bullying against Markle are patently untrue. Her friends previously spoke out in the Duchess's defense, pointing out how she'd been a victim of "global bullying" herself, by the British tabloids. One ally noted, "Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and untruths."
"The Princes and the Press" traverses the turbulent relationship Prince William and Prince Harry have had with the press. In a rare move, the palace decried the docuseries in a statement, noting, "A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy. However, too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility."