Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, is suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material. Amid the growing public attention surrounding the allegations, the Duchess of Sussex has issued an official statement explaining why she cut ties with her father years ago and does not allow him to see his grandchildren.

The allegations arose after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly found the images among his father’s belongings in the Philippines and contacted law enforcement. Thomas Markle has denied the allegations. The circumstances of the case are currently under investigation.

«I am deeply shaken by the news that has come to light over the past 24 hours. My thoughts are with all the children who may have been harmed», Meghan said.

The Duchess also revealed that she had been aware of troubling allegations against her father as far back as 2018. At the time, a letter containing the relevant information was sent to London police and the unit responsible for protecting the royal family. Meghan was later briefed on its contents and assured that the matter was being investigated.

«I hope it is now clear that my decision to distance myself from my father and not allow him access to our children had only one reason – to protect them», she emphasised.

Meghan’s relationship with her father deteriorated shortly before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Thomas Markle did not attend the ceremony, and the two have had little contact since.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the investigation must establish the facts of the case. Meghan’s statement also reflects this position: she hopes the inquiry will help establish the truth and that the safety of all children will remain the highest priority.

Photo: Instagram @meghan, @meghan_mountbatten_windsor, @pinkladiesepping1

Halle Berry’s ex-husband, actor Olivier Martinez, has filed a statement with a Los Angeles court against the actress and asked to be granted sole custody of their 12-year-old son, Maceo. According to Martinez, an argument between the 60-year-old Oscar winner and their son on September 26 escalated into a physical altercation, during which the actress allegedly grabbed the boy by the neck and choked him, TMZ reports.

According to Martinez’s account, the incident began over a video game Maceo was playing with a VR headset. Berry allegedly demanded that her son stop playing, after which an argument broke out between them. The actress then allegedly began pushing Maceo and grabbed him by the neck. Martinez claims that during the altercation she also shouted, «Who’s in charge now?». The boy then called his father and asked him to come and pick him up.

Martinez claims this was allegedly not the first incident of its kind and accuses Berry of other physical, verbal and emotional conflicts with their son. He also raised concerns about the actress’s possible alcohol use.

Following Martinez’s filing, the court issued a temporary order against the actress: Berry must remain at least 90 meters away from her former husband, while visits with her son are currently taking place only according to a court-ordered schedule — twice a week and every other weekend, until the next hearing.

Berry’s representatives have denied the allegations, emphasizing that Martinez’s filing is «completely baseless and intentionally misleading».

The former couple have had a strained relationship for years. Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez separated in 2015 after two years of marriage, but their divorce was not officially finalized until three years ago. At the time, the court ordered the actress to pay her former husband $8,000 a month, as well as cover Maceo’s health insurance, therapy and private-school education. Under their custody arrangement, their son could spend time with his mother from Monday through Wednesday and with his father from Wednesday through Friday, while the parents alternated weekends.

Photo: DepositPhotos.com, Instagram @halleberry

American actor and Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto has publicly responded to allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse.

The 54-year-old star has categorically denied all accusations made against him in the BBC investigation «Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret».

«I have never committed sexual assault against anyone in my life. These allegations are absolutely and categorically false», Leto said through his representatives, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. However, the actor did not provide any further comment or evidence in support of his statement.

The BBC documentary features testimony from around ten women. Four of those interviewed claim they were minors at the time of the alleged incidents, which are said to have taken place between 2002 and 2016.

Some of the women allege that the musician invited them to hotel rooms, where he pressured them into sexual relationships. One interviewee said she informed Leto that she was underage, but claimed this did not deter him.

The filmmakers also interviewed two former Thirty Seconds to Mars employees, who alleged that members of the band’s team were aware of Jared Leto’s interactions with underage fans and of their visits backstage after concerts.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time the musician has faced similar allegations. Last year, nine women also accused him of inappropriate behaviour. In addition, according to the BBC, more than 120 online posts containing similar accusations against the artist have appeared in recent years.

Photo: Instagram @jaredleto