Harry and Meghan condemn tabloid ‘predatory’ practices as private investigator opens up

Prince Harry and Meghan are once again denouncing the tabloid culture after a private investigator confessed to stealing the Duchess of Sussex’s personal information while on a mission for Britain’s The Sun.

According to a report published by the BBC, Daniel Hanks was hired by The Sun to obtain private details about the former Meghan Markle. She provided the media with the duchess’s phone number, addresses and social security number, as well as information about her family, ex-husband and ex-boyfriend.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex feel that today is an important time of reflection for the media industry and society at large, as this research report shows that the predatory practices of days gone by are still ongoing. ongoing, causing irreversible damage to families and relationships. ” a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement to The Times.

“They are grateful to those who work in the media and defend the values ​​of journalism, which are now more necessary than ever.”

Hanks, a private investigator from the United States, expressed remorse for the violation by coming forward to “clear my conscience” and offered to cooperate with the Sussexes should they decide to take legal action. It wouldn’t be the first time that Harry and Meghan have sued a publication for spying on their personal materials.

“I am deeply sorry for what I did,” Hanks told the BBC before addressing the Sussexes directly. “I am available if your attorneys need to speak with me. I am ready to give you what I know. Provide you with any information. I just wish this never happened. “

Hanks added that he accessed most of the data legally, except for the Social Security number, which he considered “the key to the kingdom.” In a statement to the BBC, The Sun editors maintained that Hanks was paid $ 250 for his services, “was not tasked with doing anything illegal or violating any privacy laws” and “was clearly stated by writing to act legally “.

“In 2016, The Sun made a legitimate request to Mr. Hanks to investigate the contact details and addresses of Meghan Markle and potential family members using legal databases for which it was licensed,” News Group Newspapers said in its statement.

“The information he provided could not and did not raise any concern that he had used illegal practices to obtain the information. At no point did the Sun ask for Meghan Markle’s Social Security number, or use the information she provided for any illegal practices. “

Hanks ‘admission comes weeks after the Sussexes’ explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which Meghan opened up about the toll from the incessant tabloid harassment of her mental health by joining the royal family.

“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” she told Winfrey. “And that was a very clear, real and terrifying constant thought.”

Last month, the former ‘Suits’ actress won her legal battle with the Associated Newspapers media company, which was accused of invading Meghan’s privacy by publishing substantial excerpts from an emotional letter she wrote to her estranged father after getting married. with the British monarchy.

According to the Associated Press (not to be confused with the defendant), a British judge ruled in February that Associated Newspapers misused the Duchess’s personal property and violated her copyright.

“For these media, it is a game,” Meghan said after the verdict. “For me and many others, it is real life, real relationships and a very real sadness. The damage they have done and continue to do is profound. “