Record producer David Foster has refuted claims that he snubbed Meghan Markle, stating that there was no awkward moment during a red carpet appearance at a charity event in Canada.
Foster, who was hosting the David Foster Foundation event in Victoria, British Columbia, explained that he had already greeted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle approximately ten minutes prior to the red carpet encounter. "They both, graciously and selflessly, gave their time and went beyond to engage with everyone," Foster said in a statement to People. "Harry and Meghan are dear friends of mine. Anyone watching can see there was no awkward moment and certainly no snub."
He suggested that media outlets used the interaction for clickbait, twisting "simple 'positioning' to get the best photo into a hurtful lie." A representative for the Sussexes declined to comment.
The incident occurred last Friday when Foster, walking towards Meghan and Harry, appeared to pass Meghan without acknowledgment as she extended her arm to greet him. Video of the moment showed Meghan quickly retracting her arm and leaning toward Prince Harry for a group photo with Foster and his wife, Katharine McPhee.
Sources close to Foster indicated he "genuinely just didn't see" Meghan on the red carpet, attributing the moment to his hosting duties and potential distractions. Insiders also stated that Foster, who has a long-standing friendship with the couple, was excited to see them and had already greeted them warmly inside the event.
Body language expert Judi James analyzed the interaction, suggesting Meghan appeared to be in "pose alert" and extended her arm to welcome Foster and McPhee. When Foster did not appear to respond, James noted Meghan lowered her head and adjusted her dress, an act of distraction.
Meghan and Harry were featured guests at the event, seated with Foster and McPhee. The David Foster Foundation provides financial aid to Canadian families whose children require life-saving organ transplants. The event reportedly raised C$14.5 million (approximately £7.71 million) for the charity. Foster and McPhee have a history of friendship with the Sussexes; in 2019, Foster facilitated their stay at a friend's mansion on Vancouver Island.
McPhee, who attended school with Meghan, has previously described the relationship between her husband and Prince Harry as being like "father and son."