January 1, Judge Tosses Case In Markle Family Feud

Wyatt’s Take

• The judge threw out Meghan Markle’s half-sister’s lawsuit for lack of real evidence.
• Samantha Markle can’t sue again—the case was dismissed for good this time.
• The court said opinions about family aren’t defamation, just disagreements.

A Florida court put an end to the latest Markle family dust-up this week. Meghan Markle’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, had sued her for $75,000, claiming she was defamed in public interviews and a popular book. Samantha, who shares a father with Meghan, argued that her reputation took a hit after Meghan said on TV she “grew up as an only child” and called out how Samantha changed her last name.

But the court made it clear: personal opinions about childhood and family relationships aren’t the same as stating false facts. Judge Charlene Honeywell’s dismissal with prejudice means Samantha can’t try for a do-over in court. According to filings, the judge didn’t see any actual evidence of slander or defamation—just a lot of family disagreement.

Meghan’s team was understandably glad to see the case end. Her lawyer said plainly, “We are pleased with the court’s ruling dismissing the case.”

Samantha isn’t just miffed about the Oprah interview. She also pointed a finger at “Finding Freedom,” the book about Prince Harry and Meghan leaving their royal duties, which has a chapter called “A Problem Like Samantha.” But the judge found that Meghan couldn’t be held responsible for what others published in someone else’s book—especially with no clear proof she was behind the statements.

This isn’t the first time the judge has sided this way; a March 2023 ruling also stated that Meghan’s remarks to Oprah about being an “only child” are protected as her own opinions, not facts you can prove in court. The judge even wrote, “[The] Defendant merely expresses an opinion about her childhood and her relationship with her half-siblings. Thus, the Court finds that Defendant’s statement is not objectively verifiable or subject to empirical proof.”

All told, the court’s final word was that Samantha’s case doesn’t meet the bar for defamation or falsehoods, no matter how upset she might be about family drama in the media.

Wyatt Matters

Folks in Middle America know that family squabbles shouldn’t spill into the courtroom over hurt feelings from old wounds. The courts made the right call—there’s real injustice in this country that deserves attention, not arguments over who said what at a royal wedding. When we focus on fact over feeling, we protect our values and keep America grounded in common sense.

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