Meghan Markle’s lawsuit against the publishers of Mail Online scored a win in her favor on Tuesday, when a judge dismissed the outlet's appeal for further review of the case.
Markle sued Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) for invasion of privacy and copyright for publishing a personal letter between herself and her father, Thomas Markle, without her consent. Following her win, Markle praised the decision, calling it a victory for everyone who is afraid to speak out against similar injustice.
“This is a victory not just for me, but for anyone who has ever felt scared to stand up for what’s right,” she said in a statement obtained by the Daily Beast.
“As far removed as it may seem from your personal life, it’s not. Tomorrow it could be you. These harmful practices don’t happen once in a blue moon—they are a daily fail that divide us, and we all deserve better,” she added.
ANL, however, maintains the case should be tried in court, as they questioned Markle's credibility while defending their reason for publishing the letter.
“We are very disappointed by the decision of the Court of Appeal. It is our strong view that judgment should be given only on the basis of evidence tested at trial, and not on a summary basis in a heavily contested case, before even disclosure of documents,” ANL said in a statement.
“No evidence has been tested in cross-examination, as it should be, especially when Mr. Knauf’s evidence raises issues as to the duchess’s credibility. We are considering an appeal to the Supreme Court in the United Kingdom,” the statement added.
