35 stories found
President Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany, citing disagreements with German officials, while also signaling a prolonged U.S. blockade against Iran which caused oil prices to surge.
A shooting occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, leading to a suspect being charged with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. In the aftermath, Trump and the First Lady publicly demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke related to the incident.
Filipino businessman Zaldy Co has been arrested in Europe, initially in Germany and then transferred to the Czech Republic, in connection with an ongoing corruption probe into flood control projects in the Philippines. Philippine authorities are preparing for his potential return and facing calls to expedite his extradition.
The Indian Parliament is actively debating the Women's Reservation Bill, which proposes a 33% quota for women in legislative bodies. Prime Minister Modi has strongly advocated for its passage, addressing concerns about delimitation and OBC representation raised by opposition parties.
“Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and on their way to French territory, after three and a half years of detention in Iran,” Macron said.
Rhode Island state Representative David Morales has ignited an online controversy after stating that a mural honoring the murdered Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska does not align with Providence's city values.
The political landscape in Nigeria is heating up as term-limited governors prepare to exit, leading to intense succession battles and the emergence of new aspirants for the 2027 gubernatorial polls in 10 states.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported that PSC invited seven AIGs for promotion interviews earlier on Friday morning. The post PSC approves promotion of seven AIGs to DIGs appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday morning that the United States has launched large-scale military operations in Iran, stating that the US will destroy Iran's missiles.
In Brussels, at the Council meeting of foreign ministers, representatives of the member states expressed outrage that Hungary is blocking the 90 billion euro loan intended for Ukraine and the 20th sanctions package. The euro
British actor Hugh Laurie's tribute to late producer Dana Eden ignited a social media firestorm. What began as a personal expression of grief over Eden's sudden death in Athens quickly devolved into political accusations and online abuse. Laurie firmly denied being a Zionist and vowed to block those celebrating his friend's demise, highlighting the rapid politicization of personal loss online.
Carrie Underwood reveals she was booed during "American Idol" Hollywood Week, sparking fierce social media debate over her Trump inauguration performance.
Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for a second time, facing charges related to an Instagram photo allegedly threatening President Trump. Legal experts have raised concerns about the indictment's potential First Amendment implications.
Candace Owens has ignited a controversy and is facing intense criticism after a viral clip and post accused her of encouraging followers to seek details about Charlie Kirk’s burial, which critics deem unethical.
Julius Malema's conviction for discharging a firearm has ignited a political firestorm and divided opinions in South Africa. The National Prosecuting Authority has also raised concerns over an alleged EFF tweet threatening a prosecutor involved in the case.
A fierce commercial fire swept through storage containers at Ablekuma Curve in Accra in the early hours of Tuesday, April 14. The blaze destroyed property and goods before firefighters managed to bring the situation under control.
A recent comic storyline has established Firestorm as permanently more powerful than Superman, showcasing his formidable abilities.
Country star Annie Bosko is defending her new song "Goodbye California" against critics, stating "right is right" amidst the firestorm sparked by her heartbreak ballad about the state's changes.
Today's Nigerian top stories include updates on 2027 succession battles in 10 states, a US citizenship revocation case involving a Nigerian, and the ongoing gas crisis.
The US Justice Department published additional FBI documents describing interviews with a woman who said President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her after she was introduced to him by Jeffrey Epstein.
Tampa International Airport sparked a viral controversy with a lighthearted X post about "banning pajamas" at the airport — igniting a heated social media debate.
Backlash Over Disney's 'Captain Durag' Subsides Once Creator Revealed As Black Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news, Disney’s latest cartoon misfire, “Captain Durag,” sparked a firestorm of criticism for allegedly stereotyping black culture—until the black creator stepped forward, promptly defusing the leftist mob’s fury. The character, a black superhero battling “grime” in Slime City with a durag as his cape and mask, debuted amid Black History Month on Disney Jr.’s “...
Marques Brownlee, a well-followed YouTuber and tech reviewer, said he is no longer in contact with Tesla. Chance Yeh/Getty Images for HubSpot Marques Brownlee, the YouTuber known as MKBHD, said he is no longer in contact with Tesla. He said he had to source a car from a local dealership for his latest review. He reviewed the company's latest Model Y Performance, which hit dealerships in September. Social media's most influential tech reviewer said Tesla keeps leaving him on read. Marques Brownlee — better known as MKBHD to his 20.8 million YouTube subscribers — said he had to take a trip to a nearby car dealership to source his own Tesla Model Y Performance for a January review. "Tesla stopped talking to me," Brownlee said in a recent TikTok, filmed as he picked up the SUV from New Jersey EV dealer George Saliba. "It's not cause I gave them a negative review." @georgejsaliba Tesla stopped talking to @Marques Brownlee, so he’s borrowing one of ours to review #cardealership #carreview #tesla ♬ original sound - George Saliba Automakers typically offer loan cars to influencers and journalists for weeklong test drives, and Tesla has supplied Brownlee with its vehicles in the past. In 2022, he called the Model S Plaid the "best overall car of the last decade," after a review. The TikTok clip is the latest sign that the relationship has cooled. In 2023, Brownlee spoke out after the Cybertruck's delivery event. The pickup, which Musk initially said would have a 500-mile range and a starting price under $40,000, launched with just over 300 miles of range and a $70,000 sticker. Brownlee said Tesla's reveal was "straight up not delivering" on its promises. He still took delivery of the new car, but sold the Cybertruck after eight months and replaced it with the Rivian R1T, a rival electric pickup. And in September 20205, Brownlee publicly canceled his $50,000 deposit for two long-awaited Tesla Roadsters. "Tesla has been sitting with my 50 grand for eight years and hasn't done anything with it, obviously," he said on his "Waveform Podcast." Tesla didn't respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. MKBHD's largely positive review Despite the apparent chill in the relationship, Brownlee's latest Tesla review was largely rosy. After spending time with the refreshed Model Y Performance — a dual-motor SUV with about 460 horsepower and a starting price of about $59,130 — Brownlee said Tesla still leads in several key areas. "The thing about testing one and actually driving a Tesla for a while, you start to remember all of the ways that Tesla is still ahead of the competition," he said in the video. He praised the center display as the automotive "gold standard," highlighted improvements to the ride and rear design, and said Tesla's regenerative braking remains best in class. His review wasn't completely glowing. Brownlee said he wants more physical controls and argued that the trim doesn't meaningfully sharpen the steering or overall driving feel in sport mode. He also said Tesla's lead isn't as commanding as it once was, pointing to rising competition from Lucid, Rivian, and General Motors. Brownlee's return to the dealership lot It's not the first time Brownlee has turned to Saliba's lot when a carmaker didn't provide a vehicle. In 2024, he picked up a Fisker Ocean from the same dealership and called it the "worst car I've ever reviewed," setting up a PR firestorm for Fisker. The automaker pushed back on the review, saying he had driven the car just before an expansive software update. Fisker filed for bankruptcy three months later. Read the original article on Business Insider
Teacher Loses Career Over Two-Word Facebook Post Supporting ICE James Heidorn, who taught at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, found himself at the center of a community firestorm that cost him not just his teaching position but his identity as an educator, all for posting two words on Facebook: "Go ICE." The incident began in late January when Heidorn, a 14-year physical education teacher, responded to a news story about a local police department pledging cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His personal Facebook post sparked immediate backlash in the heavily Hispanic district, with local activists circulating screenshots and demanding action against him. School officials quickly notified Heidorn on Jan. 22 about growing social media chatter. After meeting with HR staff that same day, he resigned briefly, then rescinded his decision hours later. He was set to return on Monday pending an investigation. The investigation never got that chance. "This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal," former West Chicago teacher James Heidorn told Fox News Digital. "I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career." Indeed, the outcry was relentless. Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat, publicly condemned the post. "I stand in unwavering solidarity with families upset about the disturbing comments reportedly made by an educator," Villa said. West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey joined the pile-on before any investigation concluded. In a Saturday Facebook video, he explained why Heidorn's comments were "hurtful" and "offensive" to the community. "So to have someone cavalierly rooting on—as if it's a football game or something, yeah go—events which have traumatized these children… that is the issue," Bovey said. Meanwhile, parents organized online, planning a boycott by keeping their kids from school, and the city held a “listening session” on Jan. 26 at Bovey’s request, complete with a Spanish translator. Attendees described the post as "cruel" and said "kids do not feel safe." Heidorn maintained that his post meant nothing beyond supporting law enforcement. "This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more," Heidorn said. "It wasn't directed at any student, family or school community." The distinction made no difference to the community or to the school administrators. "I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation," Heidorn said. He resigned a second time rather than face termination after a hearing with school officials. A West Chicago Elementary School District 33 spokesperson called the post "disruptive" and said it "raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families and staff." The district declined to specify which rule Heidorn violated or whether teachers who publicly disrupt in favor of opposing immigration enforcement would face similar consequences. In fact, teachers across the country have protested President Trump's immigration policies without repercussions. In Chicago specifically, teachers even stormed a Target and harassed employees over the same policies without losing their jobs. But expressing support for law enforcement in Chicago is apparently controversial. "It does feel like a double standard—due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in," Heidorn said. "Fairness should apply equally, regardless of those viewpoints. If personal political speech is grounds for punishment, it should be consistent—not selective based on what side you're on." The fallout extended beyond his teaching position. Heidorn lost his coaching job at a nearby private school. He must now inform future employers that he resigned and explain why. "I really don't know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do," Heidorn said. He earned a master's degree in educational leadership to become the best teacher possible. Now he spends time healing. "I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes," Heidorn said. Despite the loud outcry, Heidorn has received some local support, including a GoFundMe being set up for him. “James Heidorn, a beloved physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School, resigned after a single social media comment ignited outrage and a one-sided account that quickly spiraled beyond control,” the GoFundMe page reads. “What followed was not reflection or fairness, but permanent consequences that have changed the course of his life.” As for his future, he’s not sure what’s going to happen. "I really don’t know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do," he said. "It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me. Even advancing my education with a master's degree in educational leadership because I wanted to become the best teacher I can be." Heidorn said he’s exploring other options in education or related fields. “I want people to know I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from those who reached out, donated or shared my story,” he said. “It reminds me that most people value fairness and second chances. I’m determined to move forward positively and keep contributing to kids’ lives in whatever way I can.” Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 16:40
Gerry Conway, a renowned comic book writer celebrated for his significant contributions to Spider-Man and co-creating characters like The Punisher and Ms. Marvel, has passed away at the age of 73. His work redefined key aspects of the Marvel Universe.
A presidential order in Malawi, which bans doctors from engaging in private practice, has ignited a constitutional showdown. The move highlights the tension between anti-corruption efforts and the economic realities of a struggling health system.
EFF leader Julius Malema's conviction for discharging a firearm has sparked a political firestorm and divided opinions. The verdict has generated significant public discussion across South Africa.
Ireland’s largest teachers’ union has warned of a 'firestorm of industrial strife' starting next autumn unless pay awards are granted to compensate for soaring inflation. The warning comes as AI fears and funding rows dominate teacher conferences.
Four significant elections scheduled for April, including two House special elections, a Wisconsin Supreme Court race, and Virginia's redistricting referendum, are poised to potentially reshape the razor-thin House majority.
After 48 years, DC Comics has officially announced a reboot for the Justice League character Firestorm, reigniting the iconic hero.
AMC Brings Back ‘Sound Of Freedom’ For Limited Run—Years After Movie Sparked Political Firestorm Forbes
Melania Trump chaired a UN Security Council meeting focused on child safety, where she expressed hopes for peace without directly referencing the ongoing attacks across the Middle East.
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced rapid-fire questions about Epstein files before her explosive House Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this week.
Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia denounce US ambassador's remarks suggesting Israel has right to much of the Middle East.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. CTR/ Star Max/ AP Images King Edward VIII rejected the crown in 1936 so he could marry a divorced American woman. In 1995, Diana sat down for a tell-all solo interview and talked about Charles' affair. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. For centuries, the British royal family has cultivated an image of duty and decorum. As public figures, they've also had their share of scandals. Forbidden romances, tabloid firestorms, and allegations of misconduct have rocked the House of Windsor over the years. Here's a look at some of the biggest scandals involving royal family members. King Edward VIII rejected the crown in 1936 so he could marry a divorced American woman. Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII. Len Putnam/AP Directly after his father died in 1936, Edward VIII took the throne. Less than a year later, he renounced it. That's because he had fallen hard for Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who'd already been divorced once and was working through her second. His proposal of marriage caused social and political uproar, since the Church of England technically forbade Edward from marrying someone who'd been divorced. Eventually, Edward was forced to abdicate. "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King [...] without the help and support of the woman I love," he said in a radio address to the nation in December 1936. Edward and Simpson married in 1937 and stayed together until Edward's death in 1972. (And she wasn't the only commoner who married into royalty.) Princess Margaret fell in love with a married man. Captain Peter Townsend and Princess Margaret. AP Captain Peter Townsend was a Royal Air Force officer who served as an equerry — essentially an attendant to the royal family. He spent a great deal of time with Margaret, and before long, the two fell in love. The only problem was that he was married. Things got even more scandalous in 1953 when Townsend divorced his wife and proposed to Margaret, but the rules of the Church of England forbade such a marriage. (After all, Margaret's uncle Edward VIII had to relinquish the throne in order to marry a divorcee.) The relationship came to a heartbreaking close in 1955 when they called off the engagement. There was simply no way for Captain Townsend and Princess Margaret to have a happy ending. Her eventual marriage to a different man ended in a high-profile divorce. Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong Jones. AP Not long after calling things off with Townsend, Margaret married photographer Anthony Armstrong Jones. It was the first royal wedding to ever be televised. A few years later, their union became a source of "growing public ridicule," The New York Times reported. They fought in public, Margaret took long vacations without her husband, and rumors swirled around her close friendship with a man 17 years her junior. In 1976, the couple announced their separation, and two years later, they were officially divorced. Margaret became the first royal to divorce since Henry VIII, who reigned way back in the 1500s. Princess Diana and an alleged lover were secretly recorded on the phone. Princess Diana and James Gilbey. Kimimasa Mayama/Reuters; David Jones/AP In 1992 — while then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana were still married — media outlets published the transcript of a conversation between Diana and an alleged lover named James Gilbey. In the conversation, Gilbey told Diana that he loved her and called her by the pet name "Squidgy" 53 times. That's how the scandal earned the memorable moniker "Squidgygate." Later, in an interview, Diana confirmed that the conversation was real, but denied that it was adulterous in nature. The same thing happened to Diana's husband, Charles. Camilla Parker Bowles and Prince Charles. Alistair Grant/AP Not long after Diana's leaked phone call, Charles, Queen Elizabeth's oldest son, had one of his own. An Australian magazine published the transcript of a call between Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles — a longtime married friend. The transcript all but confirmed what many rumors had postulated: That Charles and Camilla were romantically involved. In one of the more confounding parts of the conversation, the couple joked about Charles turning into a tampon in order to "live inside" Camilla's trousers. Later that year, Charles and Diana announced their separation. Then Diana gave a bombshell TV interview, and the marriage collapsed for good. Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1992. AP In 1995, Diana sat down for a tell-all solo interview with journalist Martin Bashir to talk about the immense pressures of public life and her struggles with self-harm, postpartum depression, and bulimia. She also revealed that she knew about Charles' affair with Camilla. ("There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded," she famously quipped.) And Diana even admitted that she'd been unfaithful to Charles, saying that she had been "in love" with James Hewitt, her riding instructor. The BBC interview itself has since come under scrutiny. An article in the Sunday Times in 2020 alleged that Bashir manipulated Diana into doing the interview by showing her brother, Charles Spencer, fake bank statements that purported to show the media had been paying royal associates for information about her. A 2021 inquiry concluded that Bashir acted in a "deceitful" way, and the BBC and Bashir apologized. A few weeks after the interview, the Queen herself urged her son and daughter-in-law to divorce, and the following year, they made it official. Charles and Camilla, on the other hand, wed in 2005 and are still together. Princess Anne divorced her husband and married a member of the royal staff. Mark Phillips and Princess Anne in 1976. AP Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, married Olympic equestrian Mark Phillips in 1973. The couple spent large swaths of time apart and didn't appear to be happy — People magazine described the marriage as a "joyless sham." Then, in spring 1989, a British newspaper obtained stolen copies of letters written to Anne by one of her equerries, a British naval officer named Timothy Laurence. Though the content of the letters wasn't made public, tabloids described them as "extremely intimate" and "too hot to handle." In 1992, Anne announced that she was divorcing Phillips, and that she planned to marry Laurence. The two have been together ever since. Paparazzi caught Sarah Ferguson in a compromising "toe-licking" incident. Sarah Ferguson. John Redman/AP Sarah Ferguson (popularly known as "Fergie") married Queen Elizabeth's son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in 1986. Six years later, scandal erupted: Paparazzi photographers captured Fergie vacationing with an American financial advisor named John Bryan. In one photo — an image quickly plastered on the front page of The Sun — Bryan appeared to be licking Fergie's foot. Things didn't go very well after that. Fergie and Andrew separated in 1992, the same year as Charles and Diana, and divorced in 1996. Later, Fergie was accused of taking a $633,000 bribe. Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew on their wedding day in 1986. AP Fergie's marital drama didn't end after the divorce. In 2010, a News of the World journalist posed as a businessman and said he got Fergie to accept a £500,00 (about $633,000) bribe in exchange for access to her ex-husband, The Guardian reported. A video recording of their meeting was released to the media, and Fergie later apologized, saying she'd made a "serious lapse in judgment," Reuters reported. Prince Harry spent a day (yes, a single day) in rehab. The clinic where Prince Harry spent a single day in 2002. Sion Touhig/Getty Images After admitting to his father that he'd tried marijuana, a 17-year-old Prince Harry spent a day at the Featherstone Lodge rehabilitation center in London, The Telegraph reported. A statement from the royal family said Harry had agreed to visit the clinic "to learn about the possible consequences of starting to take cannabis." He was also photographed wearing a Nazi costume. Prince Harry's Nazi costume made headlines around the world. Adam Butler/AP In January 2005, British paper The Sun published a front-page photo of Harry wearing a Nazi armband, apparently at a costume party. The prince, who was 20 at the time, quickly released a statement of apology that read: "Prince Harry has apologised for any offence or embarrassment he has caused. He realises it was a poor choice of costume." In 2012, Harry got naked at a private party in Las Vegas, and someone leaked the photos to The Sun. Prince Harry in 2012. Sang Tan/AP The British tabloid published the naked photos of the prince in 2012, which were taken by another party-goer during a game of strip billiards in his hotel suite. According to an anonymous source who was in attendance, the prince's security team appeared to be aware that people were taking photos. "No one asked for our phones or anything about us when we arrived at the party," the source told The Sun. "It was obvious people were taking pictures." That same year, Closer Magazine published a photo of Kate Middleton sunbathing topless on its cover. Kate Middleton. WPA Pool/Getty Images At the time the pictures were taken, Prince William and Kate Middleton were staying in a private holiday home owned by the Queen's nephew, Viscount Linley. After the couple won a lawsuit against the company, Closer was ordered to pay $118,000 in damages to William and Kate in 2017. Meghan Markle walked herself down the aisle after her father was caught staging paparazzi photos in the lead-up to her wedding to Harry. Meghan Markle walks herself down the aisle. WPA Pool/Getty Images Thomas Markle's no-show at the royal wedding was thought to be due to his poor health, as he suffered a heart attack just days before Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in Windsor back in May 2018. However, in the year that followed, Thomas and the duchess appeared to have a strained relationship, with Thomas even speaking out against his daughter in several interviews with British tabloids. In 2011, Andrew resigned from his job because of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew. Sang Tan/AP Andrew served as the UK's trade envoy from 2001 through 2011, when he stepped down due to mounting criticism over some of his personal relationships, the BBC reported. Namely, he was close friends with American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This would not be the end of the matter, however. He stepped back from his royal duties altogether in 2019 after new allegations surfaced regarding his relationship with Epstein, culminating in a disastrous BBC interview. Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre, then known as Virginia Roberts, along with Ghislaine Maxwell. This photo was included in an affidavit where Giuffre claimed Prince Andrew directed her to have sex with him. Florida Southern District Court Virginia Giuffre, pictured with Andrew above, accused Epstein of forcing her to have sex with the prince when she was just 17 years old in 2001. The allegations from a 2015 defamation case resurfaced in the media as the case became unsealed. Andrew denied the claims, and a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace "emphatically denied" the allegations in an August 2019 statement provided to Business Insider. Four days after a catastrophic interview with "BBC Newsnight" where he spoke about his friendship with Epstein, Andrew announced he would step down from his royal duties. Epstein was found dead in his prison cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Giuffre died by suicide in 2025. Meghan Markle launched a lawsuit against British newspaper the Mail on Sunday after it published a private letter she wrote to her father. LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial on November 11, 2018, in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage) Samir Hussein/WireImage Markle sued the publication over the misuse of private information, infringement of copyright, and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 after it published excerpts from the letter earlier this year. She won the lawsuit in 2021. "I share this victory with each of you — because we all deserve justice and truth, and we all deserve better," Markle said in a statement. A judge later rejected the publisher's application for permission to appeal but said it can take the application to the Court of Appeals. The publisher, Associated Newspapers, said it would. After months of rumors, Harry and Markle announced they were taking a "step back" from royal life in 2020. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are stepping back from their roles as senior royals. Star Max/AP The announcement said they "intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen." They also wrote that they would split their time between North America and the UK. The royal communications office followed up with a statement of their own. "Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage," the Queen's statement read. "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through." The couple carried out their last official royal engagement at the annual Commonwealth Day service in London in March 2020. They later bought a home in California. In March 2021, Markle and Harry gave a tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey about their rift with the royal family, revealing one bombshell after another. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in their interview with Oprah Winfrey. Getty Images The two-hour primetime special was full of stunning revelations. Markle told Winfrey that Kate Middleton made her cry the week of her wedding over a flower girl dress and not the other way around, as had been reported in tabloids. She also said members of the royal family had "concerns and conversations" about how dark Archie's skin would be before he was born, and The Firm told them that Archie wouldn't receive a title or security, breaking from protocol. She also opened up about having suicidal thoughts amid constant tabloid criticism and racism, and said a senior member of the royal institution wouldn't let her seek help. Harry revealed that his family cut him off financially in the first quarter of 2020, and that Charles stopped taking his phone calls before they announced they were stepping back from the royal family. He also said that it hurts that the royal family never acknowledged tabloids' racist treatment of Markle, and that none of the royal family members have reached out to apologize for the reasons he felt he had to leave. Following the interview, Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the Queen. "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," the statement read. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. "Harry, Meghan, and Archie will always be much loved family members." Before the interview aired, Buckingham Palace announced they were investigating claims that Markle bullied members of the royal staff — but no such investigations had been publicly made into Andrew's involvement with Epstein. Meghan Markle (second from right), Prince Harry (right), and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (back row, right) with royal family members on Christmas Day in 2017. Chris Jackson/Getty Images The Times of London reported that Markle bullied two senior staff members during her time with the royal family. Buckingham Palace released a statement days before Markle and Harry's tell-all interview, saying that they were "very concerned" about the allegations, and that their HR team was investigating the claims. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex denied the claims to The Times, saying that the allegations were intended to undermine Prince Harry and Markle's interview with Oprah, calling it a "calculated smear campaign." While the palace launched an investigation into allegations that Markle bullied royal staff, no such investigations were publicly made by the palace when Andrew faced scrutiny over his involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Royal biographers accused the palace of having double standards. Andrew was stripped of his royal patronages and military titles and faced a lawsuit as a private citizen instead of a royal. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends a commemoration service at Manchester Cathedral marking the 100th anniversary since the start of the Battle of the Somme. July 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. Services are being held across Britain and the world to remember those who died in the Battle of the Somme which began 100 years ago on July 1st 1916. Armies of British and French soldiers fought against the German Empire leading to over one million lives being lost. Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images In August 2021, Virginia Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew, accusing him of sexual assault. She alleged that Epstein forced her to have sex with Andrew in his New York mansion, in London, and on Epstein's private island in the US Virgin Islands in 2001 when she was 17. The day after US District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan said the duke's motion to dismiss Giuffre's lawsuit was "denied in all respects," Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing that Andrew would no longer hold his royal patronages and military titles. "With The Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen," a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said in a statement sent to Business Insider in 2022. "The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen." In 2022, Andrew and Giuffre reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount. Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as police opened an investigation into his ties to Epstein. Police officers at the gates at Royal Lodge, the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Windsor, Berkshire. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is in police custody. Picture date: Thursday February 19, 2026. Jonathan Brady - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images Andrew was arrested at his home in Sandringham, Norfolk, on February 19 and was released from police custody several hours later. An investigation is ongoing. The Justice Department's Epstein files revealed additional communications between Andrew and Epstein when the former prince was a UK trade envoy. Police conducted searches of his Sandringham home and at his former home in Windsor, Berkshire. "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office," Charles said in a statement. "What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities." The king's statement continued: "In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all." Read the original article on Business Insider