Recent events have left Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, facing a barrage of negative press coverage, overshadowing her public appearances and advocacy efforts.
According to research conducted for Newsweek, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex found themselves at the center of a media storm, with more negative than positive reports surfacing during a tumultuous week.
The royal couple engaged in online summits addressing issues such as social media trolls, press scrutiny, and paid family leave before attending Veterans Day events earlier this month.
However, amidst these activities loomed a Court of Appeal hearing in London related to a privacy and copyright lawsuit Meghan filed against the Mail on Sunday.
The tabloid publication obtained private messages from Meghan, leading to a court-mandated apology, which she disputes and is currently under palace investigation.
Behind the scenes, tensions were rising even before the public became aware of the unfolding drama.
National newspapers hesitated to delve into the story, prompting outsider perspectives like that of Mr. Wootten to bring it to light.
He highlighted the delay in reporting the truth, debunking claims of a targeted attack on Harry and Meghan by the press.
Data analysis firm Signal Labs revealed that mainstream media coverage in the US from November 9 to November 15 leaned heavily negative, with only a fraction being neutral or positive.
In contrast, UK media portrayed a more favorable image, although still critical, with a significant portion of mentions coded as negative.
Positive moments, such as Harry and Meghan’s appearance at the Intrepid Museum’s Salute to Freedom Gala, garnered attention for the Duchess’s striking red dress.
However, this positive coverage was short-lived as backlash ensued, notably from the French press.
Paris Match, a prominent French magazine, seized the opportunity to question Meghan’s integrity, with headlines questioning her honesty and character.
The magazine’s scathing critique marked a departure from its previous respectful stance towards the Sussex royals, indicating a shift in international media sentiment.
The event triggered a surge in mentions across various media sources, overshadowing discussions about the ongoing lawsuit and court case involving Meghan’s privacy rights.
Notably, major US outlets like The Washington Post, CNN, CBS, and NBC reported on Meghan’s courtroom apology for misleading statements, shedding light on her involvement in the biography “Finding Freedom.”
Revelations about her cooperation with the book’s authors added another layer of complexity to the ongoing media scrutiny surrounding the royal couple.
Despite mixed coverage and mounting challenges, Harry and Meghan continue to navigate the media landscape, balancing public engagements with legal battles and personal controversies.
As the spotlight remains firmly on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, their resilience in the face of adversity underscores the complexities of royal life in the modern era.
