Jeremy Corbyn shares Harry's concerns about 'racial undertones' in press coverage about Meghan Markle
Jeremy Corbyn agrees with concerns raised by the Duke of Sussex about "racial undertones" in the press coverage of Meghan.
The Labour leader said he understood the negative impact "press intrusion" can have on people's private lives.
A spokeswoman for Mr Corbyn said: “Jeremy has commented in the past in relation to Prince Harry and Meghan, about press intrusion and its impact on people and their families and, to use Prince Harry’s words as well, the ‘racial undertones’ in relation to how the media has approached Meghan.”
She said Mr Corbyn had “spoken out” about the issue and “understands how press intrusion can have a negative impact on people and their private lives”.
Following his party's devastating election defeat in December, Mr Corbyn's sons released a letter slamming the "despicable attacks" on their father.
They wrote: “The attacks from all sides intensified and became even more poisonous while he was leader. We’ve never known a politician to be smeared an vilified so much.”
They added: “His unbelievable broad shoulders and incredibly thick skin endured all of this so that we could all live in the hope of a world free of racism or hunger.
In November 2016, Harry used a statement from his communications secretary to lash out at the “wave of abuse and harassment” the Meghan had faced from the media, citing the “racial undertones of comment pieces” among his concerns.
Last year, Harry said the "painful" impact of intrusive media coverage had forced the couple to take legal action against three UK newspapers.
Meghan is accusing the Mail on Sunday of unlawfully publishing a letter the duchess wrote to her father while Harry is suing the owners of the Sun and Daily Mirror in relation to alleged phone hacking.
The treatment of Meghan in the press has become a controversial topic, with many arguing she has been subjected to racism.
The couple's bombshell decision - sanctioned by the Queen - to start a "new life" away from the duties of senior royals has seen many come out in support of the pair.
Meghan and Harry said they would be working to become "financially independent" and split their time between the UK and Canada.
Hugh Grant made a public show of support for their decision saying: “I’m rather on Harry’s side, I have to say.
“The tabloid press effectively murdered his mother [Princess Diana] - now they’re tearing his wife to pieces.”
He added: “I think, as a man, it’s [Harry’s] job to protect his family so I’m with him.”
Supermodel Naomi Campbell and UK rapper Stormzy have also expressed their support.
