Meghan Markle's Dad Breaks Silence on Child Pornography Allegations

Meghan Markle Says She's "Distressed" by Child Pornography Allegations Against Dad Thomas MarkleThomas Markle Sr. is denying the allegations against him. Shortly after Meghan Markle’s dad was publicly accused by his son—and half-brother to Meghan—Thomas Markle Jr. of possessing child sex abuse images in his home in the Philippines, the 82-year-old has called the claim a fabrication. “I'm shocked, I'm hurt and I'm very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas told The Daily Mail on Oct. 23. “I could never do what I'm being accused of. It's the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.” He added, “This is bulls--t. It's just a bunch of lies. It's sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies.” His daughter Samantha Markle, Meghan’s other half-sibling, similarly accused Tom of fabricating the allegations. “There is no merit in these disgusting allegations whatsoever and my brother is disgusting for making them up,” Samantha—who is her dad’s caregiver in Florida, where he relocated amid health challenges—told The Daily Mail. “He wants to destroy our dad. Shame on him.”Following the report published in The Sun on Oct. 22, which includes Tom’s allegations, the DOJ Secretariat of the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials the Philippines confirmed to E! News, “We confirm that the matter is under investigation. However, pending such investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time.” Additionally, the FBI confirmed its involvement in the process.MEGA/GC Images & Harold Cunningham/Getty Images“The FBI is aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities,” the organization told E! News. “We will also investigate any related allegations of federal violations of U.S. law.” Meanwhile, Meghan—who shares two children with husband Prince Harry—released a statement reacting to the news. “I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours,” she shared in a statement with E!, “and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.” The Duchess of Sussex also shared additional insight into her knowledge of the allegations."Ronald Martinez/Getty Images“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection,” the 45-year-old explained. “That letter was subsequently shared with me. It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.” Though she didn’t address the allegations previously, Meghan went on to note they’ve played a role in why she’s been estranged from her father in recent years. “I hope it can now be understood that despite certain media publications' distortion over the years,” she said, “any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them.”And as the investigation plays out, Meghan expressed her hopes that justice will be served. “The breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine,” she added. “The priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.”For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App