‘We won’t engage with you’ — Harry, Meghan sever ties with British tabloids

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, his wife, have announced that they will no longer engage with the British tabloid press, accusing them of publishing “distorted, false, or invasive” stories.

The couple notified the editors of Britain’s Daily Mail, The Sun, Mirror and Express in a letter issued by their public relations representative on Sunday.

The new directive also applies to the both the Sunday and online editions of the affected publications, according to BBC.

The development is aimed to inform the general public not to trust any of the reporting about the couple carried by British tabloids.

“It is gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media, over many years, has sought to insulate themselves from taking accountability for what they say or print—even when they know it to be distorted, false, or invasive beyond reason. When power is enjoyed without responsibility, the trust we all place in this much-needed industry is degraded,” the letter read.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said while they are not against the free press and criticisms, they are concerned with the manner in which the affected tabloids have covered their affairs over the years.

“This policy is not about avoiding criticism. It’s not about shutting down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting. Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, good or bad. But it can’t be based on a lie,” the letter added.

The couple said “there will be no corroboration and zero engagement,” with the media outlets mentioned, alleging “what they won’t do is offer themselves up as currency for an economy of clickbait and distortion.”

The new move comes against the backdrop of the couple’s complaints about media reportage of their affairs. It is also the latest in the many issues trailing their decision to to step back from royal duties in January.