It’s Markle vs. Markle! Samantha Markle Accuses Meghan of Defamation to Cover Up ‘False Rags-to-Riches’ Narrative

Meghan Markle’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, has accused the Duchess of Sussex of defaming her to cover up a “false rags-to-riches” narrative. This accusation came during a virtual court hearing as Meghan demanded the dismissal of Samantha’s libel case.

Samantha, who is based in Florida, claims her younger half-sister defamed her when the former royals sat down for a televised interview with Oprah in 2021

Samantha, 58, claimed Meghan tarnished her reputation to prevent her from exposing Meghan’s alleged fabrications. Her attorney argued that Meghan resorted to defamation after being “caught” lying about her past. In contrast, Meghan’s lawyers deemed the claims “inappropriate” and “offensive,” insisting the case be dismissed due to its “fatal defects.”

Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell, presiding over the case, acknowledged difficulty in seeing how Meghan’s statements could be defamatory. Samantha’s lawsuit, seeking $75,000 in damages, stems from Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and the 2020 biography Finding Freedom. Meghan’s motion to stop depositions was previously denied.

Meghan Markle previously filed a motion to stop depositions being taken for sister Samantha's lawsuit, but was denied by a judge earlier this month

Samantha, who resides in Florida, claims her sister’s statements subjected her to worldwide “humiliation, shame, and hatred.” Despite a strained relationship that became public after Meghan and Harry’s engagement, Samantha’s attorney argued that Meghan fabricated a narrative to gain public sympathy, resulting in threats and a stalker for Samantha.

Meghan’s lawyer, Michael Kump, countered that the comments in question were not defamatory and were protected by the First Amendment. He emphasized that Meghan’s expressions about her childhood were personal opinions, not statements of fact. Kump also pointed out that many of the allegedly defamatory remarks came from Finding Freedom, a book Meghan did not write.

Samantha and Meghan's relationship has been strained for years but exploded into public view after Meghan and Harry's engagement was announced in 2017. Pictured together in 2008

Judge Honeywell will issue a written judgment on the matter. Both Meghan and Harry will be deposed in the coming months if the case proceeds, facing questions about statements made in their Netflix series and other media appearances.

Samantha’s lawsuit illustrates the deep rift between the sisters, fueled by allegations and public disputes since Meghan’s rise to royal fame.