Meghan Markle and Prince Harry interview staff ‘forced to sign gagging orders to stay silent’
STAFF working behind the scenes on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s interview were allegedly forced to sign gagging orders to stay silent.
Those on set during the chat with the freedom-loving royals – who spoke about having the chance to tell their story – said they had to sign NDAs so they couldn’t tell theirs.
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Joe Pugliese, who took pictures of the interview, confirmed that he and others involved had signed gagging orders, adding: “Sorry I just can’t talk about it. Harpo has this watertight.”
Harpo Productions, Oprah’s company, produced the two-hour tell-all.
NDAs are a normal practice in the industry – and are used in order to stop information from being leaked during exclusive TV interviews.
It’s claimed Meghan and Harry also decided to screen their explosive interview on TV rather than a streaming service – so millions more could see it.
The Sussexes – who have a £100million deal with Netflix – are said to have agreed with Oprah that their tell-all would be on TV so viewers could watch for free without a subscription, insiders claim.
It meant their sensational revelations were seen by 17 million viewers on Sunday night in the US and the interview has now been watched by 49.1 million people worldwide.
A joint decision between Oprah, Meghan, and Harry meant the interview aired on TV so that people could watch the chat for free, the LA Times claims.
When Meghan and Harry’s interview aired, CBS was seeking roughly £235,000 for 30 seconds of commercial time during the program – twice the normal rate.
One of those to secure a slot was the Scientology Network – which aired an ad for the religion’s TV channel during Oprah’s interview in the US.
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Despite her allegations on Oprah, Meghan was allegedly helped by a string of top royal mentors when she joined the family – but she “wouldn’t listen” to anyone.
Staff have revealed they were “hurt” after hearing allegations that Meghan was left to fend for herself.
Instead, the Duchess was given a string of the Queen’s most senior staff as “mentors” after her engagement with Prince Harry, insiders have claimed.
One source told the Daily Mail: “It is very disingenuous to make such a sweeping generalisation.
“There was a brilliant team of very experienced and loyal aides to help them.
“Sadly, she and Harry were willing to listen to no one. And that is the honest truth.”
Meanwhile, the Queen is said to be personally taking charge of the Meghan and Harry fall-out as she quizzes senior royals over the race row.
The monarch is “privately” investigating after the Sussexes’ two-hour interview with Oprah Winfrey.
And she is said to have also issued a three-line whip to Palace staff to stop them discussing the situation publicly.
The Queen is reportedly set to take a more personal approach as she extends an olive branch to the Sussexes – with phone calls expected to take place in the next few days.
It comes after the tell-all chat with Oprah – which saw Meghan break down in tears as she and Harry revealed the pressures of being part of the Royal Family.
The Queen waited until Tuesday to comment on the explosive interview so Brits could watch it first – with the royals deciding to deal with the matter in privacy.
A statement from the Palace issued on behalf of the Queen said: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.
“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”
Today, Prince William sensationally hit back at Meghan and Harry – insisting the Royal family is “very much NOT racist”.
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A stern-looking Wills revealed he still hasn’t spoken to his brother since the interview – but in a warning for Harry he pointedly added: “But I will do.”
The Duke of Cambridge leapt to the defence of The Firm on a visit to a school in East London with wife Kate Middleton this morning.