09 November 2023 , 15:34
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Meghan Markle's estranged half sister appeared at court yesterday in a bid to secure a trial for her defamation case against her.
Samantha Markle, 58, has claimed that she was defamed by Meghan, 42, during both her 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and 2022 Netflix documentary. Samantha and her brother Thomas were born prior to Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, meeting and marrying her mother Doria Ragland.
Samantha has claimed that Meghan implied she is an "imposter," a "deceptive opportunist" and a "charlatan" in several interviews. Her lawyer, Peter Ticktin, alleged that Samantha - who has to use a wheelchair due to suffering from multiple sclerosis - has been left fearful of leaving her house and feeling harassed.
Samantha is trying to sue Meghan (ITV)However, Michael Kump, representing Meghan, denied that any statement from Meghan were libelous and said the case has no basis. He said: "This has always been a lawsuit in search of a viable claim. The case has failed because it runs head first up against defamation law and the First Amendment."
The case, which was initially presented in March 2022, was already dismissed in March of this year when the judge found that Meghan was only sharing "an opinion about her childhood and her relationship with her half-sibling." Samantha is now making a further attempt to bring the case to trial in Florida.
Oprah Winfrey snubs Harry and Meghan as expert claims 'the tide has turned'
Meghan's representative has denied any wrongdoing (Netflix)Judge Charlene Honeywell is expected to make a decision on the prospect of a trial in the coming weeks. Speaking outside the court, Samantha told reporters she feels "optimistic" about the case. She said: "I think the truth stands on its own, so I'm optimistic and thankful that we have a justice system that gives us the chance to present the facts."
Talking to Fox 13, she expressed her disappointment at Meghan having claimed they were not close as children. She said: "People change, they have agendas, they have other things influencing their lives. It doesn't change reality." Samantha - who has given many of her own TV and newspaper interviews since Meghan was first revealed to be dating Harry - has also defended her own book, telling the U.S. Sun it was not "a slamming tell-all."