In a statement to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex said: “Broadcasters have a responsibility to inform, not inflame. This lie was conclusively debunked more than two years ago, yet it continues to be recycled by irresponsible commentators, causing recurring harm.”
The spokesperson continued: “Ms. Ragland proudly raised her daughter and has never been in prison. GB News did not apologize voluntarily, but only to escape a defamation lawsuit — and it speaks volumes that GB News removed any trace of that apology within 24hrs of making it.”
A spokesperson for GB News declined to comment when contacted by PEOPLE.
How the False Claim Arose
Malone, 71, made the incorrect statement earlier this month on Britain’s Newsroom as reports surfaced that Thomas Markle had undergone an emergency leg amputation in the Philippines, where he currently lives.
“So where’s her compassion for the father who actually brought her up, who paid for her private education, while her mother was in jail, who took huge care of her, and she’s not seen him in the latter years. Not just seen him, she’s like, totally snubbed him, Thomas,” Malone said incorrectly in a clip shared on X.