David Foster insisted Meghan Markle is his “dear friend” after going viral for seemingly snubbing her at a charity event.
The composer clarified to People on Wednesday that he had “already greeted” Prince Harry and Markle at the 40th anniversary gala for his foundation when the latter reached out her arm — and he walked right by.
Foster, 76, claimed he spoke to the couple “at the entrance 10 minutes before the red carpet encounter” over the weekend that has since been circulating on social media.
“They both, graciously and selflessly, gave their time and went beyond to engage with everyone,” he continued. “Harry and Meghan are dear friends of mine.”
“Anyone watching can see there was no awkward moment and certainly no snub,” the Grammy winner concluded, calling uproar over his “simple positioning” snafu a “hurtful lie.”
A source told Page Six the same on Wednesday, confirming Markle, 45, and Harry, 41, greeted Foster before the headline-making clip was filmed.
In the footage, Foster smiled at Harry as the retired royal patted his back — then stepped past Markle.
When he rejoined the couple with wife Katharine McPhee at his side, Foster leaned back to chat with Harry over the women’s heads.
Markle and McPhee, 42, appeared to laugh at their husbands’ back-and-forth.
Social media users expressed mixed feelings over the exchange, which some accusing Foster of “ghosting” Markle — and others denying any drama.
Reps for Harry and Markle have yet to respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
The couple have been friends with Foster and McPhee for years, with Harry sharing an especially close bond with the record producer as a “father figure.”
McPhee shed light on Foster and Harry’s “father and son” dynamic in a 2020 interview.
“[They have] a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry,” the “American Idol” alum shared on “Access Hollywood” at the time. “They’re so cute. … We just stay in touch with them.”
Meanwhile, the singer has known Markle since they attended the same school as kids — but not at the same time.
“I was in middle school when she was in high school,” McPhee explained. “So I did a couple shows with her.”
Read the full article here
