Meghan Markle's Friend Janina Gavankar Says "Emails and Texts" Back Up the Oprah Interview Revelations

From Good Housekeeping

Janina Gavankar, Meghan Markle's friend of 17 years, appeared on the UK show This Morning on Wednesday to discuss Meghan and Prince Harry's landmark Oprah interview.

Per People, Gavankar said that they "watched the special together, actually," adding that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are doing well. "We're all happy that we are in a new era. You know, we get to tell the truth. Things are different now." In particular, she added, "It is nice to see them feel free."

The actress went on to claim that "emails and texts" exist that prove both the royal family and the palace staff knew "the extent of" the Sussexes' struggles at the time — and hinted that further revelations about what went on behind the scenes may yet come to light.

Buckingham Palace's statement about the interview, which was issued on behalf of the Queen on Tuesday, said that the family was "saddened" to learn "the full extent" of the Sussexes' struggles, adding, "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately." Gavankar said she had mixed emotions about this.

"One side, I thought: I am so thankful that they are finally acknowledging the experience," she said. "But on the other side, I know that the family and staff were well aware of the extent of it, and though their recollections may vary, ours don't, because we lived through it with them. And there are many emails and texts to support that."

Gavankar also addressed the claims, which were recently reported in the Times, that Meghan had bullied palace employees — and that concerns about this had reached HR. "I have known [Meghan] for 17 years and I have seen the way she regards the people around her and the people she works with, and I can say she is not a bully," she said. "But I can also say that I am personally glad people are doing their due diligence because I also know why someone had to leave, and it was for gross misconduct."

She continued, 'The truth will come out. There are plenty of emails and texts about that. I'm not going to get into the details of it. I don't feel like that's my place. I'm just happy that it's actually being looked into because the truth really does set you free."

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