Meghan Markle's Sister Samantha Is Suing Her for Allegedly Making Up a "Rags to Royalty" Story for Herself
Oh, boy.
Meghan Markle's family relationships sound like a reeeal bundle of fun (I hope the sarcasm was apparent).
In the latest development, the duchess' half-sister Samantha is now suing her for defamation, according to documents obtained by TMZ.
Samantha, who shares father Thomas with Meghan, is accusing the royal of allegedly lying in her Oprah interview in March 2021.
The 57-year-old published a tell-all autobiography in 2021, titled The Diary of Princess Pushy's Sister — Part 1. In her lawsuit, she's now claiming that some of the things Meghan said about her have "hurt sales of her autobiography, prevented her from getting jobs and caused emotional and mental distress," per TMZ.
As for the alleged lies in question, Samantha cited the "rags to royalty" narrative that the duchess has described about growing up in "virtual poverty." She claimed Thomas paid for Meghan to attend "elite and expensive private schools," while the duchess said she worked to pay for her Northwestern education herself.
Samantha also called Meghan's assertion to Oprah Winfrey that she is an "only child" a lie—although I'm fairly certain the duchess meant it as a figure of speech, considering it's common knowledge that she has a half-sister, and considering that she directly referred to Samantha during the interview.
The duchess also said that it had been "at least 18, 19 years ago and before that, 10 years before that" since she'd seen her sister, which Samantha claims is untrue.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Speaking to Winfrey, Meghan said that Samantha "changed her last name back to Markle, I think she was in her early 50s at that time, only when I started dating Harry. So I think that says enough."
Samantha also said in her suit that Meghan allegedly lied so she and Thomas "could not interfere with or contradict the false narrative and fairytale life story concocted by" the duchess. Oh, brother. Or... sister, I guess. (Sorry.)
"This baseless and absurd lawsuit is just a continuation of a pattern of disturbing behavior," came the response from the Duchess of Sussex' lawyer, Michael Kump. "We will give it the minimum attention necessary, which is all it deserves."
FYI, this is not the first time Samantha has tried to come for her younger sister—not by a long shot. Consider that one time she suggested some New Year's resolutions for her, or when she—ahem—timed the release of her book around Meghan's due date. She did apologize to the duchess on live TV once in 2018, though, so there's that?
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Kate Middleton Makes First Major Royal Appearance Since July at Festival of Remembrance Concert
The Princess of Wales is making her slow return to full-time royal work following the end of her cancer treatments.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Who is Susie Wiles? President-Elect Donald Trump Names His White House Chief of Staff
The political consultant helped the former president run his successful 2024 campaign.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Zoë Kravitz's Breakup Style Just Took an Elevated Turn
She's dressing in lace and diamonds.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Speak Out Against Online Violence During New Joint Appearance
"Young people are calling for help. Families are desperately seeking support."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Camilla and Julia Roberts Share a Surprising 'Favorite Thing' with Oprah Winfrey
The unlikely trio all love the same British brand.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana's Friend Believes the Royal Family Is Finally "Listening" to Prince Harry
"Maybe this is a sign that the family are listening."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
One of Oprah's Favorite Things Was a Gift From Meghan Markle
"This is a favorite Favorite Thing—with the scent of a forest sent to me by my neighbor Meghan."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Made an Unexpected Cameo During Prince Harry's NATO Meeting
The Sussexes have only carried out solo engagements since August.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Fans Go Wild After ‘Suits’ Star Shares Unseen Photo of Meghan Markle From Her Acting Era
Patrick J. Adams shared a throwback pic of the duchess on set.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Mike Tindall Says "Pretending to Punch" Prince Harry Got Him into a Ton of Trouble
"Loads of trolls went in on Mike, especially about him wanting to hit a young, defenseless Harry."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why a Phone Call Warning of an Impending "Apocalypse" on Halloween 2016 Changed Everything for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
"Well, we said, staring anxiously at our phones, it was going to happen eventually."
By Kristin Contino Published