(Scypre.com) – Additional witnesses and city officials are coming forward to provide details about the events that unfolded on Tuesday night in New York involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. After attending a gala event, the couple claimed they were followed by a group of photographers, resulting in a chaotic situation.
According to the couple’s representatives, they experienced a “near catastrophic car chase” through the streets of Manhattan as they were leaving the Ms. Foundation Awards. They alleged that the paparazzi relentlessly pursued them, causing multiple near collisions.
However, the New York City police have offered a different explanation of the incident. They stated that the pursuit was relatively brief and did not lead to any injuries, accidents, or arrests.
Consequently, the police did not find it necessary to conduct further investigations.
Additionally, a photo agency contested the couple’s claims and placed the blame on Harry and Meghan’s security guards, accusing them of acting recklessly.
Eyewitnesses reported that photographers immediately followed Harry and Meghan as they left the Ziegfeld at around 10 p.m. that night.
The couple was trailed by a caravan consisting of approximately a dozen cars, motorcycles, and mopeds. To escape the paparazzi, Harry and Meghan’s private security, comprised of former law enforcement officers, employed various tactics.
Sources close to the couple revealed that the photographers drove on sidewalks, endangering pedestrians.
Contrary to the couple’s claims, police sources revealed a different sequence of events. Two NYPD detectives were present at the Ziegfeld when Harry and Meghan exited the event.
These detectives drove alongside the couple’s private vehicle, intending to ensure their safe journey home. According to the police sources, security cameras captured images of photographers on bicycles, but no evidence supported the existence of the large caravan described by the couple’s sources.
At one point during the ordeal, Harry and Meghan sought refuge in a police station before attempting to evade the photographers by taking a yellow cab. The cab driver confirmed that the photographers followed them persistently, although he stopped short of calling it a chase.
The couple’s spokesperson claimed that the pursuit lasted over two hours and resulted in multiple near collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. However, according to police sources, Harry and Meghan reached their home within 20 minutes of leaving the event.
Upon learning about the incident, New York Mayor Eric Adams condemned the paparazzi’s reckless behavior, echoing the couple’s concerns. A photo agency involved in the incident denied any wrongdoing on the part of their freelance photographers, but acknowledged that some of Harry’s security personnel may have driven recklessly.
The agency promised to investigate the matter and address the couple’s concerns.
While no immediate arrests were made, the NYPD plans to review surveillance videos from that night. Mayor Eric Adams stated that a thorough examination of the incident would be conducted. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over public interest when it comes to public figures.
In response to the incident, a statement on behalf of the couple emphasized that being public figures should never compromise anyone’s safety.
The New York Press Photographers Association also issued a statement denouncing the alleged behavior of the paparazzi, stating that it contradicted the principles of photojournalism and the ethical standards expected of their members.
This incident is a stark reminder of the tragic car crash in 1997 that claimed the life of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, as she was pursued by paparazzi in Paris.