This week saw contrasting public receptions for Meghan Markle and Blake Lively, two celebrities who share a public profile marked by controversy. Both appeared to anticipate different outcomes from their recent public engagements and legal proceedings.
Meghan Markle's planned return to London to attend events related to King Charles III's health was met with a muted response. Her announcement of the visit, intended to include her children, resulted in what was described as a collective shrug. When she ultimately did not participate in most of the week's events, reports suggested a palpable sense of relief from the British public. Prince Harry, who attended events alone, faced a setback when his legal team was informed that an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace had been rescinded due to his indecision. He was subsequently required to find his own accommodations while also seeking royal security.
A significant legal blow for Prince Harry came on Tuesday when his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail, was dismissed. Harry, along with other claimants including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, had accused the publisher of phone hacking and other unlawful information-gathering methods. In a 436-page judgment, the court found a lack of evidence to substantiate claims that the information published had been obtained unlawfully. This legal action reportedly incurred substantial costs, with Harry potentially liable for a portion of the publisher's legal fees.
Meanwhile, Blake Lively's week was intended to solidify her status as an A-list celebrity, particularly through her association with Taylor Swift's appearance at a high-profile event. However, reports emerged suggesting that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, were enjoying themselves in upstate New York and a restaurant in Canada, an indication that her expected role did not materialize as planned.
Separately, a two-year-old New York Times article, which detailed allegations by Lively against actor Justin Baldoni, resurfaced. The article, written by Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who also reported on the Harvey Weinstein case, quoted Lively stating her hope that legal action would expose retaliatory tactics against those who speak about misconduct. The report noted that Lively denied orchestrating a smear campaign against Baldoni or his production company. In response to the renewed attention, Baldoni and his wife released a statement expressing their anger and sadness over the claims, with Justin Baldoni indicating there was more to be said on the matter.