NEW YORK: In a shocking incident, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” with paparazzi in New York City on Tuesday night, according to a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The couple, accompanied by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, had just attended the Women of Vision Awards at the Ziegfeld Ballroom when they were pursued by a “swarm” of aggressive paparazzi.
While there was no car accident, law enforcement sources revealed that the paparazzi relentlessly followed the couple for over two hours, endangering not only their safety but also that of other drivers, pedestrians, and even two NYPD officers.
The paparazzi reportedly employed various means of transportation, including cars, motorcycles, and scooters, in their desperate chase.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of intrusive and dangerous paparazzi practices, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressing their concern for the safety of all involved.
In a statement, their spokesperson emphasized that public figures should not have to compromise their safety due to the public’s interest in their lives. The dissemination of images obtained through such aggressive tactics only serves to encourage this intrusive behavior.
Prince Harry Advocates for Security and Privacy of His Family
The Duke of Sussex has been an outspoken advocate for the security and privacy of his family, drawing parallels between the treatment of his wife and that faced by his late mother, Princess Diana. Diana tragically lost her life in 1997 following a high-speed car crash in Paris, where she was pursued by paparazzi.
In a Netflix docuseries, Prince Harry highlighted the evolution of harassment, noting that while physical harassment by paparazzi was prevalent during his mother’s time, the focus has now shifted to online harassment fueled by the release of photographs and accompanying stories.
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the invasive nature of paparazzi culture and its potential risks. Prince Harry and Meghan’s plea for a balance between public interest and personal safety resonates not only with their own experiences but also with the broader discussion surrounding the ethics of media intrusion.
As the couple continues their advocacy for privacy and security, the incident in New York City serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face and the need for change within the industry.
