Meghan Markle's Royal Drama Unveiled: Jeremy Clarkson's Explosive Take

British broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson is receiving immense backlash for a column he wrote expressing his intense dislike for Meghan Markle. Numerous readers, multiple political figures, and even his own daughter have criticized him for going too far. In the column published on The Sun on Friday, December 16, Clarkson stated, "I hate her. Not just like how I hate Nicola Sturgeon or Rose West, but on a deep personal level." This column specifically addressed Meghan and Prince Harry's documentary series, Harry & Meghan, consisting of six parts.

In a section of the article that has since been deleted, Clarkson, known for hosting ITV's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Top Gear, made a reference to a famous Game of Thrones scene. He wrote, "During the night, I struggle to sleep as I lay there, grinding my teeth and imagining the day when she will be forced to walk naked through every town in Britain as the crowds shamefully chant and throw objects at her."

Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not responded publicly to Clarkson's remarks, they were incredibly open about their experiences with the British media in Harry & Meghan.

"My father's words echoed in my mind, as he warned me about the power and influence of the media. However, I have a different perspective. With my extensive experience spanning three decades, I have gained a deep understanding of the inner workings of this system and how it operates," Harry revealed in episode 4, reflecting on a conversation he had with his father, King Charles III. "The constant flow of information regarding the family members, favors, and even orchestrated interactions with the press, reveals the dark and manipulative nature of this game. It's a world filled with leaked information and strategically planted stories."

Later in the same episode, Meghan pointed out the unfair treatment she experienced during the reporting of her private New York City baby shower in the U.K. "It was a gross misrepresentation. These strong, independent, and successful women chose to celebrate their friend with their own resources, which were not funded by the taxpayers. Why attempt to tarnish such a beautiful moment?" she questioned.

The couple also addressed the racist comments directed towards Meghan while she was working for Queen Elizabeth II alongside Harry. (They announced their decision to step back from their senior roles in January 2020, and their departure became permanent by early 2021.)

"At that time, I didn't consider the role that race played in all of this. It genuinely didn't cross my mind," Meghan stated in episode 2, referring to the headline "Harry's new girl is (almost) straight outta Compton." "Firstly, I'm not from Compton, and I've never lived there, so it's factually incorrect," she explained. "But why must you take a swipe at Compton?"

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Speaking about the hate she has received on social media, the former Suits star, who is also the mother of son Archie and daughter Lilibet with Harry, became visibly emotional. She emphasized the impact of planting seeds of hate, highlighting a recent incident where she read a concerning tweet about her own safety in a security team manual at home. The tweet stated, "Meghan just needs to die. Someone needs to kill her. Maybe it should be me." Meghan, as a mother, expressed the fear and reality of such threats, making her feel unsafe and worried for the safety of her children. These threats have a profound effect on her daily life, causing her to constantly question her security measures and feel a genuine sense of fear.

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'Top Gear' Host Jeremy Clarkson's Controversial Comments About Meghan Markle Explained: What to Know

Jeremy Clarkson, the renowned British broadcaster, is currently under fire due to a column he wrote expressing his strong aversion towards Meghan Markle. The article has received substantial criticism, with numerous readers, various political figures, and even his own daughter stating that he crossed a line with his words.

"I have a deep abhorrence for her, far surpassing the dislike I hold for Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, or Rose West, the English serial killer,” Clarkson expressed in a column published on Friday, December 16, on The Sun. The column discussed Meghan and Prince Harry's six-part docuseries, Harry & Meghan.

Furthermore, in a different part of the article (which has been subsequently deleted), Clarkson, renowned for hosting ITV's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Top Gear, made a reference to a well-known Game of Thrones scene. He wrote, “During restless nights, I find myself unable to sleep while grinding my teeth, fantasizing about the day when she is compelled to walk shamefully naked through the streets of every British town, as a multitude of spectators chant 'Shame!' and hurl pieces of waste at her."

While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have yet to publicly address Clarkson's remarks, they were extremely transparent about their views on the British media in the show Harry & Meghan. Harry recounted a conversation with his father, King Charles III, where he disagreed with his father's advice to not challenge the media. Harry stated that he had 30 years of experience and understood the inner workings and tactics employed by the media, such as constant briefings on other family members and manipulation through leaked or planted stories.

In the same episode, Meghan mentioned the way her private baby shower in New York City was portrayed in the U.K. as an example. She expressed her frustration, stating that independent, strong, and successful women chose to use their own money, not taxpayer money, to celebrate a friend out of love. She questioned why such a beautiful moment was being tarnished.

The couple also addressed the racist comments aimed at Meghan during her time working alongside Harry for Queen Elizabeth II. (They announced their decision to step back from their senior roles in January 2020 and their departure became permanent by early 2021.)

Meghan expressed that during that time, she didn't consider the role of race in any of these situations. It wasn't something that crossed her mind," she mentioned in episode 2, recalling the headline "Harry's new girl is (almost) straight outta Compton." She clarified, "Firstly, I am not from Compton, I have never resided in Compton, so it is factually incorrect." She then questioned, "But why do you feel the need to make a negative comment about Compton?"

As the former star of Suits and mother to Archie and Lilibet alongside Harry, she became visibly emotional while discussing the hatred she has faced on social media.

"I believe it is crucial for individuals to truly comprehend the consequences of sowing seeds of hate. Recently, while going through the manual for our home security team, I stumbled upon a page discussing online monitoring. It emphasized the importance of reporting any threatening tweets to the head of security immediately. One particular tweet stood out, stating, 'Meghan just needs to die. Someone needs to kill her. Maybe it should be me.' This incident deeply impacted me as a mother, as it reflects the reality of my life. It is alarming to realize that such comments can incite violence against me. This goes beyond being a mere story; it induces fear and uncertainty about my safety and the security of my children. I constantly find myself scanning my surroundings, questioning whether we are truly safe, if the doors are locked, and if security measures are in place."

"Regarding Jeremy Clarkson, he has not offered an apology to Meghan. However, on Monday, December 19, he tweeted that he was 'horrified' by the extent of the hurt caused by his Game of Thrones reference. The Sun, in response to Clarkson's tweet, has taken down his previous column and added a message stating, 'In light of Jeremy Clarkson's tweet, he has asked us to take last week's column down.'"

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What Did Jeremy Clarkson Write About Meghan Markle?

In his column for The Sun, Clarkson pointed out a specific episode of Game of Thrones season 5, featuring Cersei (Lena Headey) undertaking a naked "Walk of Atonement." He expressed his own thoughts about Meghan, stating that he often imagines her facing a similar punishment, parading nude through British streets while the crowd chants "Shame!" and throws feces. He further claimed that people of his generation share this sentiment.

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The Backlash

Ipso, the independent press standards organization, has received over 12,000 complaints regarding Clarkson's comments, according to BBC reports. In comparison, the total number of complaints filed throughout 2021 amounts to 14,355.

Sturgeon, who was mentioned in the story, described Clarkson's remarks as "appalling and dreadful." She expressed sympathy towards individuals like Clarkson, wondering what drives them to write such hateful things. Sturgeon suggested that perhaps Clarkson should take a step back and reflect on life more deeply.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also added his perspective, tweeting, "Jeremy Clarkson should be aware that words carry consequences. His words are not humorous; they are hazardous and unforgivable. We are currently facing an epidemic of violence against women and girls, and influential individuals must strive to do better."

John Nicolson, an SNP Member of Parliament for Ochil and South Perthshire and a Scottish journalist, has called for the removal of Clarkson from the airwaves, stating, "While I have always supported freedom of the press, this incident has clearly exceeded the acceptable boundaries."

Credit: Courtesy of Emily Clarkson/Instagram

What Did Jeremy Clarkson Say About His Meghan Markle Story?

Clarkson's daughter, Emily, strongly criticized her father's comments on Sunday, December 18. Taking to Instagram Stories, the podcast host emphasized her unequivocal stance on misogyny, bullying, and the media's treatment of women. Emily made it explicit that she firmly opposes her father's statements regarding Meghan Markle and continues to support those who face online hate.

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How Is Queen Consort Camilla Associated With Jeremy Clarkson?

The palace has not yet provided any comments regarding Harry & Meghan or Clarkson's remarks. However, the involvement of Charles' wife in this controversy is emerging as Clarkson was a guest at a lunch organized by the queen consort shortly before his column was published. Additionally, it is reported that they also coincidentally attended a lunch where Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Piers Morgan were present earlier this month.

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How Did Jeremy Clarkson Address His Meghan Markle Controversy?

"I have made a grave mistake. In one of my columns discussing Meghan, I made an ill-advised comparison to a scene from Game of Thrones, and this has been met with strong disapproval from a large number of individuals," he stated on December 19 via Twitter. "I am deeply remorseful for the pain I have caused, and I pledge to exercise greater caution in my future writings."

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How Did 'The Sun' Respond?

The British paper affirmed that the article has been removed from both our website and archives. They emphasized their extensive track record of advocacy, spanning over 50 years, including campaigns such as Help for Heroes, Jabs Army, and Who Cares Wins, and their collaborative efforts with charitable organizations. The statement ended by assuring that they will persist in championing worthwhile causes for their readers in 2023.

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Did Meghan Markle Accept the Apology?

The remorseful statement from the Bench author was strongly criticized by a spokesperson. In a statement to The Guardian on December 24, the representative stated that the fact the Sun had not contacted The Duchess of Sussex to apologize indicated their intention. The spokesperson called the statement a mere PR stunt and highlighted that if The Sun had not profited from and exploited hate, violence, and misogyny, this situation would not have arisen. They asserted that a true apology would involve a change in the publication's coverage and ethical standards for all, but expressed skepticism that this would happen.

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How Did Harry Respond?

During a sit-down interview with Tom Bradby for UK broadcaster ITV on January 8, Harry expressed his deep concern regarding the article. He emphasized that the remarks made by Clarkson were not only appalling, but also highly hurtful and cruel towards his beloved wife. Moreover, he highlighted the dangerous impact such statements have on individuals, particularly men, globally. The duke strongly believes that this kind of behavior promotes the misguided notion that it is acceptable to mistreat women.

Referring to Queen Consort Camilla's recent speech on advocating an end to violence against women, he also highlighted the global pandemic of violence against women, echoing his stepmother's words.

Expressing disappointment, the British expat noted that Buckingham Palace did not issue a response to the controversial op-ed. He emphasized that it was not just him demanding accountability, but the world as a whole, expecting some form of comment from the monarchy. However, he described the silence as profound and concerning.

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Has Jeremy Clarkson Contacted Harry and Meghan?

One month after his controversial column made headlines, Clarkson took to Instagram to issue a formal apology. On January 16, he expressed his observation about the dissatisfaction that arises when public figures apologize, regardless of the sincerity and depth of their remorse. To break this pattern, Clarkson offered an apology for his recent derogatory remarks about Meghan Markle in one of his Sun columns. He genuinely expressed remorse, emphasizing that his apology extends from the core of his being to the top of his head. Clarkson admitted his fault and fully acknowledged his mistake. This is his sincere and unreserved acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Claiming to be "home alone" and "in a hurry," Clarkson wrote his initial article. The next day, when the column was published, it caused a major controversy. Clarkson expressed disbelief at what he had written, stating, "Had I really said that? It was horrible." He immediately realized his mistake - he had intended to reference a scene from Games Of Thrones but had failed to include this context, making it appear as if he was advocating for violence against Meghan.

Feeling deeply embarrassed by his remarks, the TV presenter acknowledged that his close friends were furious with him due to the backlash. In an attempt to resolve the situation privately, he emailed Meghan and Harry on Christmas Day 2022.

"I expressed my utter bewilderment over the remarks made on television, acknowledging that the choice of language employed in my column was deplorable and extending a heartfelt apology," he confided in his Instagram followers while emphasizing his desire to "move forward" from this episode.

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What Did Harry and Meghan Have to Say About the Apology?

The couple responded to Clarkson's public apology to Meghan on January 16, shortly after it was posted. They claimed that the broadcaster had only privately reached out to Harry. In a statement shared by Omid Scobie via Twitter, they expressed that while Mr. Clarkson has issued a new public apology, his ongoing pattern of writing articles that promote hate rhetoric, dangerous conspiracy theories, and misogyny still needs to be addressed. They noted that unless each of his other pieces were also written hastily, as he claims, it is evident that this incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather a series of articles rooted in hatred.

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What Did U.K.'s Media Standards Board Find Regarding Jeremy Clarkson’s Column?

According to Variety, in June 2023, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) determined that Clarkson's article violated its code of conduct due to discrimination and sexism. As a result, The Sun complied with the ruling by replacing Clarkson's column with a summary of IPSO's findings on its front page and website homepage on July 1, 2023.

"This is the most severe punishment that we would enforce for an individual complaint," stated Charlotte Dewar, CEO of IPSO, during an interview with the outlet. "It is not a matter of personal offense or dislike towards something; it is solely based on whether the complaint has violated the Editors' Code. Our intention was to be extremely clear about the precise elements in the article that the complainants believed broke the code, and then, as a fair procedure mandates, obtain the publication's response to those allegations."