However, almost immediately, doubts were cast on their narrative. Even New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who initially described the incident as reckless and irresponsible when speaking to reporters, expressed skepticism about the two-hour high-speed chase. He remarked, "I'd find it hard to believe there was a 2-hour high-speed chase, but we'll find out the exact duration of it two days later."
In the face of backlash, Meghan and Harry instructed their attorneys to demand that Backgrid, a celebrity photo agency in California, turn over the pictures taken during the alleged chase. Their request came across as arrogant and pompous, a departure from the usual formalities seen in such matters.
Backgrid's response was far from ordinary. They responded with a tone dripping with icy satisfaction, making it clear that they hadn't heard from Team Sussex since. The photos from that night, according to Joanna Joe Arelin, a partner at 1 LLP, a Beverly Hills-based law firm specializing in intellectual property and copyright law, failed to depict anything resembling a near catastrophe or a two-hour chase through Manhattan's crowded streets.
Beyond the dispute itself, Meghan and Harry's actions unintentionally brought attention to a much larger issue - the rights of photographers and creators to own their work. This situation was reminiscent of Andy Warhol's lawsuit with Backgrid, underscoring the audacity of the Sussexes' demand and their attempts to challenge the established balance between paparazzi and celebrities: the paparazzi get attention, and the celebrities get privacy in return.
The lawyer's response to the Sussexes' demand was epic, turning the tide against them. Over six months later, there has been no clear statement from New York City confirming or denying the chase. Some people still believe it happened, highlighting the frustration that Meghan and Harry seem to evade consequences for their actions, even when they behave poorly. This has become a significant point of contention for many, tarnishing their otherwise charming public image.
