By James Simons-
A private investigator employed by the Sun claims to have illegally accessed the Duchess of Sussex’s private information shortly after she met Prince Harry on behalf of the British publication.
The revelation comes amid a war between Meghan Markle and The British Media, sparked after the Dutch and Duchess Of Sussex won a legal suit against The Daily Mail Online for breach of privacy rights. The couple have been feeling on a high ever since their victory, shortly announcing their explosive Oprah Winfrey show, which is still have a rippling effect in the world.
After the complaints against the press, accused as ”bigots” by Prince Harry during the Oprah Winfrey interview, the fight against the press is taking all fronts.
Dan Hanks, a resident of Los Angeles, told the website Byline Investigates, that he compiled a 90-page report on the future member of the royal family in October 2016, shortly after the tabloid newspaper first became aware of her relationship with the prince.
The information sent to the Sun’s U.S editor is believed to have included relatives’ phone numbers, background information on her ex-husband, and also Meghan’s personal social security number.
Although much of the information could have been obtained legally, Hanks claims he took it from a database that could not legally be used for journalistic purposes.
Hanks is accusing the UK publication of covertly encouraging him to use whatever means he can to obtain the information.
He told the New York Times that the the Sun made him sign a letter stating he would not use any illegal methods to locate people or do background checks: “Then the reporters came back to me and said, ‘But if you want to get work, keep doing what you’ve been doing,’ with a nod and a wink.”
The newspaper said they stopped using Hanks’ services in 2017 after he was sent to jail after being found guilty of extortion in an unrelated case.
Their interview with Oprah Winfrey has caused a stir in the British media since its airing.
A spokesperson for the couple said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex feel that today is an important moment of reflection for the media industry and society at large, as this investigative report shows that the predatory practices of days past are still ongoing, reaping irreversible damage for families and relationships.
“They are grateful to those working in media who stand for upholding the values of journalism, which are needed now more than ever before.”
Byline Investigates, which tracked down Hanks, is run by Graham Johnson, a freelance journalist who was himself convicted for phone hacking but now works to expose other examples of historical wrongdoing in the media.
A spokesperson for News UK, publisher of the Sun, said: “In 2016, The Sun made a legitimate request of Mr Hanks to research contact details and addresses for Meghan Markle and possible relatives using legal databases which he had a license to use. He was paid $250.
“Mr Hanks was not tasked to do anything illegal or breach any privacy laws – indeed he was instructed clearly in writing to act lawfully and he signed a legal undertaking that he would do so. The information he provided could not and did not raise any concerns that he had used illegal practices to obtain the information.
“At no time did the Sun request the social security number of Meghan Markle, nor use the information he provided for any unlawful practice. The Sun abides by all laws and regulations and maintains strict protocols in relation to the obtaining of information from third parties. Strict compliance is in place to cover all our reporting.”
The tension between The Sussexes, and both The Royal family, and The Press could get even more explosive anytime.
Close attention is being paid.