Harry & Meghan: Legal Actions against the Media

[BaiSoSo]

Originally Posted by texankitcat

Exactly. That isn’t the way it works. Members of the Royal Family cannot just call the shots in how they want information shared with the public by blocking out the media. They are not private citizens. It seems to me they are being advised by a Hollywood PR firm rather than Royal PR firm, who would certainly have the experience and knowledge on how best to navigate these issues instead of this debacle.

This is a thread about the legal battles for Meghan and Harry. Why is it okay for other royals (the Queen, Charles, William & Catherine) to sue the tabloids for various violations but it is bad for Meghan and Harry to do the same? The double standards are part of a larger issue. They are suing for very specific things copyright infringement and phone hacking (which is part of a larger lawsuit).

[texankitcat]

Originally Posted by BaiSoSo

This is a thread about the legal battles for Meghan and Harry. Why is it okay for other royals (the Queen, Charles, William & Catherine) to sue the tabloids for various violations but it is bad for Meghan and Harry to do the same? The double standards are part of a larger issue. They are suing for very specific things copyright infringement and phone hacking (which is part of a larger lawsuit).

My apology for getting off topic. I really don’t have an issue with the lawsuits themselves, but rather the hostility and other verbiage included in the announcement as well as other subsequent events since which I won’t elaborate on here.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by camelot23ca

Kate and Camila have been the most successful in dealing with all this and I think it’s because they’ve never tried to explain how hard it’s been for them. They know that anything they say, and any action they take, will just give the press more of what it wants. Statements and lawsuits are what the press wants, and the more dramatic the better. With rare exceptions the only way to win is to refuse to play the game at all.

I would advise them to keep their heads down, take some deep breaths and remember that 99 percent their words and actions should be focused on the good work they are privileged to do on behalf of the Queen and their country. The press will continue with its drama but Meghan and Harry can make their lives a whole lot easier by deciding not to participate in it.

Excellent points. Hopefully this seemingly never ending drama will fade away. This couple have so much potential, it would be sad if all turned irredeemably sour.

[_Heather_]

Originally Posted by texankitcat

My apology for getting off topic. I really don’t have an issue with the lawsuits themselves, but rather the hostility and other verbiage included in the announcement as well as other subsequent events since which I won’t elaborate on here.

I think this is the crux of the matter for most people, myself included. The lawsuits themselves certainly have some merit and certainly should be addressed. I think members of the BRF have to carefully pick and choose which issues to file suit about and which to turn the other cheek to but in this particular case I think most people agree that these issues needed to be dealt with. However, most people's objections, and certainly mine, stem from all of the drama surrounding the suits. A simple statement that a suit had been filed followed by a statement at the end of the process would have sufficed. The constant drama that's accompanying these suits is unnecessary and at odds with the claims they've made in the suits about their need for, expectation of, and right to privacy.

[Katymcwaity]

Originally Posted by camelot23ca

I saw a clip of the documentary yesterday where Meghan was saying something like she knew there would be criticism in her new role but she expected that the criticism would be fair. I found that statement shocking. Presuming she actually meant what she said, it shows an unbelievable level of naivety from someone who was marrying into the British Royal Family. Meghan should have done her homework, especially since she apparently had British friends telling her how bad things would be, but I think the ultimate responsibility for how apparently miserable things have been for her lies with Harry. He knew Meghan had very little exposure to the UK, let alone to its media as it relates to his family. And he also knew, or should have known, that what may be a good media and publicity strategy for a minor American celebrity is likely going to be a disaster for a British Royal couple in their dealings with the British press.

I’ll be blunt and say that Harry strikes me as well meaning but immature, and as someone who was a little too attached to the “Prince of Hearts” persona he cultivated and the media encouraged. A mature man would have insisted his fiancée spend a significant amount of time in the UK before they got engaged. I would say a year living and working in London would have given Meghan a good amount of exposure to the media and how relentless and sometimes unfair it would be. And it would have given her and Harry a chance to see how well they dealt with the stress of it all as a couple. Then they could have moved forward with the engagement, or not.

Because the thing is, all the negative press may be intolerable for Harry and Meghan but it’s not unusual. Kate and her family were crucified in the press on a regular basis before she married William. Camilla was savaged for years. The coverage of Diana and Sarah Ferguson was never ending and was often vulgar to the point of being disgusting. And, with the exception of Kate, this was all before the internet. Of the above I would say Kate and Camila have been the most successful in dealing with all this and I think it’s because they’ve never tried to explain how hard it’s been for them. They know that anything they say, and any action they take, will just give the press more of what it wants. Statements and lawsuits are what the press wants, and the more dramatic the better. With rare exceptions the only way to win is to refuse to play the game at all.

I would advise them to keep their heads down, take some deep breaths and remember that 99 percent their words and actions should be focused on the good work they are privileged to do on behalf of the Queen and their country. The press will continue with its drama but Meghan and Harry can make their lives a whole lot easier by deciding not to participate in it.

This is a good post and exactly my feelings too. We’ve probably all had this discussion in a hypothetical way with friends and decided despite the fabulous wealth and opportunities that the grief is probably not worth it! Even if they are successful in this lawsuit, its just another thing for the press to make snide remarks about. I can’t imagine the frustration that the couple must feel when everything they do, the press find an angle to have a go(though sometimes they dont help matters)

[Madame Verseau]

So suck it up and take abuse? Okay. I rather see the Sussexes show they are human than internalizing it and take more drastic steps to cope.

[O-H Anglophile]

I have no issue with the Sussexes' two lawsuits. Both phone hacking and publishing private correspondence by the tabloids is indefensible.

The statement and documentary created drama that takes the focus from the reason for the lawsuits--the illegal and immoral acts of the tabloids in question.

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Originally Posted by Madame Verseau

So suck it up and take abuse? Okay. I rather see the Sussexes show they are human than internalizing it and take more drastic steps to cope.

Yes that's exactly what all of us are saying....fantastic understanding of what is being said.

Originally Posted by O-H Anglophile

I have no issue with the Sussexes' two lawsuits. Both phone hacking and publishing private correspondence by the tabloids is indefensible.

The statement and documentary created drama that takes the focus from the reason for the lawsuits--the illegal and immoral acts of the tabloids in question.

This right here. I'll use Kate as an example again, when those pictures of her in France came out I don't believe she (or William) released a statemt or video crying about how unfair it was to her and how violated she was! They took legal action, I believe there was perhaps one statement (I don't remember) then they moved on.
This whole thing with Meghan and Harry could have been avoided if they had just filed the lawsuits released a simple statement about the violation of the law and not put their hurt feelings into the ring.

[BaiSoSo]

Originally Posted by XeniaCasaraghi

Yes that's exactly what all of us are saying....fantastic understanding of what is being said.



This right here. I'll use Kate as an example again, when those pictures of her in France came out I don't believe she (or William) released a statemt or video crying about how unfair it was to her and how violated she was! They took legal action, I believe there was perhaps one statement (I don't remember) then they moved on.
This whole thing with Meghan and Harry could have been avoided if they had just filed the lawsuits released a simple statement about the violation of the law and not put their hurt feelings into the ring.

The statement that Harry issued had no lies. Meghan worked hard from moment her pregnancy was announced and from that moment on the British media had it out for her with negative (and often untrue) article after article. Meghan was on maternity leave all of April and May wasn't doing any royal duties....laying low like many are suggesting and there were still 400+ articles about her in the month of May (mostly negative).

It was easy for Catherine to just sit back and not release a statement about things. She was never dealt that level of bullying and dehumanization. She was able to enjoy her pregnancies take time off both before and after without harassment.

There is no reason for the British media to constantly lie about Meghan and at some point enough is enough and Harry has made it very clear that he isn't going to sit idly by and watch his wife get trampled by the media...he is NOT playing that game. So they are taking legal action.

Those that say it isn't the right time...the right time is when the victim (and laws) say it is. Saying she should just be quiet and accept the abuse is saying it is okay for people to bully others and that the victim shouldn't protect themselves.

[evolvingdoors]

Originally Posted by camelot23ca

I saw a clip of the documentary yesterday where Meghan was saying something like she knew there would be criticism in her new role but she expected that the criticism would be fair. I found that statement shocking. Presuming she actually meant what she said, it shows an unbelievable level of naivety from someone who was marrying into the British Royal Family. Meghan should have done her homework, especially since she apparently had British friends telling her how bad things would be, but I think the ultimate responsibility for how apparently miserable things have been for her lies with Harry. He knew Meghan had very little exposure to the UK, let alone to its media as it relates to his family. And he also knew, or should have known, that what may be a good media and publicity strategy for a minor American celebrity is likely going to be a disaster for a British Royal couple in their dealings with the British press.

I’ll be blunt and say that Harry strikes me as well meaning but immature, and as someone who was a little too attached to the “Prince of Hearts” persona he cultivated and the media encouraged. A mature man would have insisted his fiancée spend a significant amount of time in the UK before they got engaged. I would say a year living and working in London would have given Meghan a good amount of exposure to the media and how relentless and sometimes unfair it would be. And it would have given her and Harry a chance to see how well they dealt with the stress of it all as a couple. Then they could have moved forward with the engagement, or not.

Because the thing is, all the negative press may be intolerable for Harry and Meghan but it’s not unusual. Kate and her family were crucified in the press on a regular basis before she married William. Camilla was savaged for years. The coverage of Diana and Sarah Ferguson was never ending and was often vulgar to the point of being disgusting. And, with the exception of Kate, this was all before the internet. Of the above I would say Kate and Camila have been the most successful in dealing with all this and I think it’s because they’ve never tried to explain how hard it’s been for them. They know that anything they say, and any action they take, will just give the press more of what it wants. Statements and lawsuits are what the press wants, and the more dramatic the better. With rare exceptions the only way to win is to refuse to play the game at all.

I would advise them to keep their heads down, take some deep breaths and remember that 99 percent their words and actions should be focused on the good work they are privileged to do on behalf of the Queen and their country. The press will continue with its drama but Meghan and Harry can make their lives a whole lot easier by deciding not to participate in it.

Coming back just to comment on this, (I stopped coming to the forums for many reasons)
But a friend from the forum told me about your comment and said I should come and read it:
i’d Like to remind many that two years when I first joined I commented that given the nature of long distance relationships, the family she would marry into and the very public role she would take after marriage, and the media and all of it, that It would be more wise and logical decision for them in the long term if Megan were to first relocate to the U.K. on say an artist visa, which would allow them to do all of the bolded and more.
But I was told it was a silly idea, and if they wanted kids and Yada.. yada, yada.


Given Meghan(and Harry) comment at the interview, about being warned and told to wait, I am now more than amazed on why she herself- given that she said about 6 mon in she knew this was it that- A: didn’t do any research on what her role would entail - such as go and speak with Sophie!, and B: didn’t think it would be wise to tell harry: yes i’ll marry you, but first before we do let me move to the U.K. and let’s see how well we do living together and dealing with everything, let your family to properly get to know me.
They both rushed into something neither were ready (and imo suited for each other)


It’s a shame they didn’t listened and waited and now there is a child involved and Harry ... seems to have completely pushed and alienated his entire family... except Meghan that is.

[texankitcat]

Originally Posted by BaiSoSo

The statement that Harry issued had no lies. Meghan worked hard from moment her pregnancy was announced and from that moment on the British media had it out for her with negative (and often untrue) article after article. Meghan was on maternity leave all of April and May wasn't doing any royal duties....laying low like many are suggesting and there were still 400+ articles about her in the month of May (mostly negative).

It was easy for Catherine to just sit back and not release a statement about things. She was never dealt that level of bullying and dehumanization. She was able to enjoy her pregnancies take time off both before and after without harassment.

There is no reason for the British media to constantly lie about Meghan and at some point enough is enough and Harry has made it very clear that he isn't going to sit idly by and watch his wife get trampled by the media...he is NOT playing that game. So they are taking legal action.

Those that say it isn't the right time...the right time is when the victim (and laws) say it is. Saying she should just be quiet and accept the abuse is saying it is okay for people to bully others and that the victim shouldn't protect themselves.

Well, actually......Kate wasn’t sitting back enjoying her pregnancies since she spent a good chunk of each pregnancy suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. She was hospitalized her first pregnancy which is how the world found out she was pregnant. Since she was always being portrayed in the media as a lazy social climber, some media was speculating as the illness continued that this was all a ruse to keep from working, blah, blah, blah. Before that, she had tremendous pressure to produce an heir since clearly, she wasn’t interested in working. Kate had constant scrutiny and harassment for years before she married William and for years after. You don’t think she had numerous days that she was overwhelmed behind closed doors?

Before the question is asked what what any of this have to do with the lawsuit...I will add that the only time a lawsuit was filed by the Cambridge’s was when the topless photos were published which was a clear invasion of privacy, and that wasn’t for the British media. However, that did not prevent criticism that As a future Queen she should know better than to step outdoors without a top on even if it was a private home.

The point is all Royal Brides take their turn and each one moved on to find their footing...well, the Duchess of York found her foot in someone’s mouth, but that is another story.

[DuchessMia]

Their lawsuits are not frivolous or without merit. I applaud them taking action. The old saying stand for something, fall for anything seems apt to apply here. The Sussexes are we’ll within their rights to demand truthful coverage of them. Not lies and fabrications that inflame tensions and put her mental and physical safety at risk.

[sophie25]

Originally Posted by texankitcat

Exactly. That isn’t the way it works. Members of the Royal Family cannot just call the shots in how they want information shared with the public by blocking out the media. They are not private citizens. It seems to me they are being advised by a Hollywood PR firm rather than Royal PR firm, who would certainly have the experience and knowledge on how best to navigate these issues instead of this debacle.

Was it not reported a couple of months ago that H and M have indeed recruited a Hollywood PR firm to advise them over Palace courtiers? I remember even reading the name of the firm but I can't recall it now.

[texankitcat]

Originally Posted by sophie25

Was it not reported a couple of months ago that H and M have indeed recruited a Hollywood PR firm to advise them over Palace courtiers? I remember even reading the name of the firm but I can't recall it now.

I didn’t see that, but it does a explain a lot. Really bad move if that is the case.

[sophie25]

Originally Posted by texankitcat

I didn’t see that, but it does a explain a lot. Really bad move if that is the case.

Sunshine Sachs is the name.

[BaiSoSo]

Given Meghan(and Harry) comment at the interview, about being warned and told to wait, I am now more than amazed on why she herself- given that she said about 6 mon in she knew this was it that- A: didn’t do any research on what her role would entail - such as go and speak with Sophie!, and B: didn’t think it would be wise to tell harry: yes i’ll marry you, but first before we do let me move to the U.K. and let’s see how well we do living together and dealing with everything, let your family to properly get to know me.
They both rushed into something neither were ready (and imo suited for each other)

This is a classic case of victim-blaming and glossing over the perpetrator's inappropriate and in this case illegal behavior.

Perhaps they didn't wait long because they were in love and wanted to be married and to be a family. Why shouldn't they have that opportunity?

Neither Harry nor Meghan are struggling with the royal roles or their relationship with each other- those are the parts where they are thriving. Look at the interactions with the charities they work with, look at their ability to get projects done. That is their strength.

The struggle comes in with the British media not having any accountability for their actions. People are even blaming Harry & Meghan for the actions of the press when they have done nothing wrong.

I really hope that Meghan and Harry win their cases and there is a true look at the way the British media operates. I'm all for 'free press' but it needs to come along with some integrity.

[Dman]

The story behind The Sun’s falsehood story on Meghan and the car park-
https://www.byline.com/column/68/article/2513

The damage from straight up lies from The Sun and other tabloids and other papers has been underestimated, IMO.

[texankitcat]

Originally Posted by BaiSoSo

This is a classic case of victim-blaming and glossing over the perpetrator's inappropriate and in this case illegal behavior.

Perhaps they didn't wait long because they were in love and wanted to be married and to be a family. Why shouldn't they have that opportunity?

Neither Harry nor Meghan are struggling with the royal roles or their relationship with each other- those are the parts where they are thriving. Look at the interactions with the charities they work with, look at their ability to get projects done. That is their strength.

The struggle comes in with the British media not having any accountability for their actions. People are even blaming Harry & Meghan for the actions of the press when they have done nothing wrong.

I really hope that Meghan and Harry win their cases and there is a true look at the way the British media operates. I'm all for 'free press' but it needs to come along with some integrity.

It’s unfortunate when other view points are called out as victim blaming. It’s not unreasonable considering the position she was taking on with the incredible attention and scrutiny that more time to prepare would have been wiser for the both of them.

I hope Harry and Meghan win their case too. It won’t change a thing, but it will help a charity or two.

[BaiSoSo]

Originally Posted by texankitcat

It’s unfortunate when other view points are called out as victim blaming. It’s not unreasonable considering the position she was taking on with the incredible attention and scrutiny that more time to prepare would have been wiser for the both of them.

I hope Harry and Meghan win their case too. It won’t change a thing, but it will help a charity or two.

You just said that nothing is going to change even if they win the suit so what would waiting 6 months have done? They would still be in love and still deserve to be together as a married couple and have a family. Their relationship isn't the problem.

The problem is the British media and the fact that there is no accountability. And when a couple finally does try to hold them accountable for their actions, it is the victims' relationship that comes under scrutiny instead of the illegal actions of the "journalists" (aka victim-blaming).

[texankitcat]

Originally Posted by BaiSoSo

You just said that nothing is going to change even if they win the suit so what would waiting 6 months have done? They would still be in love and still deserve to be together as a married couple and have a family. Their relationship isn't the problem.

The problem is the British media and the fact that there is no accountability. And when a couple finally does try to hold them accountable for their actions, it is the victims' relationship that comes under scrutiny instead of the illegal actions of the "journalists" (aka victim-blaming).

There isn’t accountability in the US media either. This lawsuit won’t change a thing except help them feel better for taking action.