Composer David Foster has spoken out after a video of him appearing to snub Meghan Markle at a charity event went viral, asserting that he and the Duchess of Sussex are "dear friends."
In a statement to People, Foster, 76, explained that he had already greeted Prince Harry and Markle at the 40th anniversary gala for his foundation when the moment captured in the video occurred. He stated that he spoke with the couple "at the entrance 10 minutes before the red carpet encounter."
The widely shared clip showed Foster smiling and interacting with Prince Harry, but then walking past Markle as she appeared to reach out. Foster later rejoined the couple with his wife, Katharine McPhee, and was seen chatting with Harry over the women's heads. Social media users had mixed reactions, with some accusing Foster of disrespecting Markle.
Foster attributed the apparent snub to "simple positioning" and called the online speculation of an awkward encounter or snub a "hurtful lie." A source also confirmed to Page Six that the couple had greeted Foster before the clip was filmed.
Foster emphasized the long-standing friendship between himself and the couple, noting that Harry shares a close bond with him, viewing Foster as a "father figure." He described Harry and Markle as "gracious and selfless" for their engagement with attendees at the event.
Katharine McPhee, Foster's wife, has also spoken about her relationship with the Sussexes. She has known Markle since childhood, having attended the same schools, though not at the same time. McPhee shared in a 2020 interview that she and Foster have a "beautiful relationship with Harry."