Thomas Markle denies new allegations and claims horrific images were 'planted'
Thomas Markle denies new allegations and claims horrific images were 'planted'
Sophia Papamavroudi, Chiara Fiorillo Sun, October 25, 2026 at 12:50 PM UTC
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Thomas Markle has issued a new statement (Image: GB News)
Meghan Markle's estranged father has vehemently denied child sex allegations against him, vowing to prove his innocence.
Thomas Markle Snr, 82, responded to the recent accusations that have prompted international police investigations, saying, "I have never had sex with anyone under the age of 18."
However, the retired Hollywood lighting director, who has been estranged from his daughter Meghan for years, admitted to traveling to the Philippines at least twice while unmarried and paying for sex.
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He told the Mail on Sunday, "I like Asian women but that is not a crime."
Speaking from a Florida nursing home where he is recovering from a leg amputation, Mr Markle maintained his innocence and committed to cooperating fully with authorities.
Meghan Markle and her father, Thomas (Image: Netflix)
During the interview, Mr Markle defended himself, saying he is prepared to undergo a lie detector test and speak directly to investigators. He also said he suspects his son, Thomas Markle Jnr - who alerted police to the allegations - could be responsible for an original letter sent to Scotland Yard containing numerous claims about alleged wrongdoing. Mr Markle alleged any illicit images discovered on his computer were "planted."
He also maintained that the books characterized by his son as "pornographic" are standard texts on Hollywood history and photography. Mr Markle said he believes Meghan used the unsubstantiated claims as justification to permanently stop him from meeting his grandchildren, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
The latest developments come as the Metropolitan Police face questions over their management of the initial allegations.
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Earlier this week, Meghan revealed she had been made aware of "troubling and disturbing" allegations in 2018, which she said supported her choice to cut ties with her father.
Thomas Markle Jr. made the horrific discovery in the Philippines (Image: Gilbert Carrasquillo, Getty Images)
However, the Met recently acknowledged that, upon receiving the letter outlining the claims in 2019, they failed to forward information regarding "alleged offending outside the UK" to international law enforcement agencies.
Mr Markle has since questioned why the Duchess of Sussex never confronted him about the letter, saying he was denied the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. "She never said a word to me about this letter accusing me of such terrible things," Mr Markle said.
He added, "If Meghan or anyone else had come to me in 2018 and told me about the letter I would have had a chance to defend myself. "Why did Meghan not ask me about it? I will do whatever it takes to clear my name.
"I have nothing to hide. I am an innocent man and she gave me no chance to defend myself. I have been asking to see my grandchildren before I die."
Responding to an alleged 35mm photograph allegedly depicting a bearded man bearing a resemblance to him alongside a female, Mr Markle categorically denied any involvement, asserting, "I have never been in a photograph like that."
Philippine authorities have confirmed Mr Markle is currently under investigation by Cebu City's anti-trafficking and anti-child abuse task force.
The investigation was initiated after his 60-year-old son reported discovering child abuse images on computers left behind by his father when he moved back to the United States.
Tom Jnr revealed he was "horrified" by what he found and felt he had "no option" but to alert the authorities. The FBI is also reportedly preparing to examine the case.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
