Thomas Markle Sr. was photographed in a wheelchair in Lakeland, Florida, on Saturday, marking his first public appearance since allegations that child sex abuse images were found at his former Philippines home. The 82-year-old, father of Meghan Markle, left his Cebu home in May following a stroke, a blood clot, and the amputation of his left leg, and was seen being moved between care facilities.
The allegations come from his son, Thomas Markle Jr., 60, who told the Sun he found“hundreds, if not thousands”of child sex abuse images in four boxes while searching for a phone belonging to his father’s girlfriend. Thomas Sr. has strongly denied the claims, calling them“sick lies”and“the worst thing anyone could accuse [him] of.”His daughter Samantha has publicly supported him, accusing her brother of seeking“revenge.”
Meghan Markle reportedly learned of the allegations through a letter sent to London’s Metropolitan Police following her 2018 wedding. Philippine prosecutors say“appropriate legal action may be pursued”once an examination of the seized devices is complete. The case remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.