Thomas Markle Sr. Denies Child Pornography Allegations Made by Son
Thomas Markle Sr. called the accusations that he possessed child sexual abuse material "sick lies" and said he is shocked and hurt by his son’s claims, while the investigation continues in the Philippines.
Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, rejected allegations that he owned child sexual abuse images, describing the claims as "sick lies" and saying he is "shocked, hurt and very upset" at his son’s accusations.
"I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of," he told the Daily Mail.
The Cebu City Police Office in the Philippines is reportedly investigating the matter after Thomas Jr. said he found "hundreds, if not thousands" of such images in storage boxes at his father’s home and reported the findings to local authorities and the FBI.
Meghan Markle said she is "deeply distressed" by the investigation and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed. She also noted that a separate inquiry into her father in 2018 contributed to their estrangement.
Samantha Markle, the Duchess’s half-sister, defended her father, alleging that Thomas Jr. fabricated the accusations for financial gain, and claimed the allegations lack merit. Insiders close to Meghan suggested the new allegations may explain her lack of contact with her father since 2018.