Meghan Markle’s Defamation Case Nears Collapse at U.S. Appeals Court

The defamation lawsuit filed by Samantha Markle against her half-sister, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is faltering at the appellate level. In September, the case reached the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals after a Florida federal judge dismissed the original claims last year.

Samantha alleges that Meghan made false and damaging statements during her 2021 Oprah interview and in the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, including claims that she was “an only child” and that Samantha was part of an online hate group. However, appellate judges appeared unconvinced, pressing Samantha’s legal team on procedural missteps and the lack of demonstrable malice—a key requirement under U.S. defamation law Newsweek  Courthouse News Service.

Legal analysts say the court is unlikely to overturn the dismissal, citing Meghan’s statements as protected opinion under the First Amendment. The panel’s chief judge reportedly signaled skepticism about reviving the case, calling the original ruling “well-grounded” Courthouse News Service.

If the appeal fails, Meghan will avoid trial entirely, closing a three-year legal chapter that has fueled tabloid speculation and strained family ties. No further hearings are scheduled, and a final decision is expected before year’s end.