Thomas Markle Sr. just found himself in another major controversy. Throughout the past couple of years, Meghan Markle’s dad has been making headlines but for all the wrong reasons. Prior to his daughter’s royal wedding, Thomas staged a series of photographs after paparazzi company owner Jeff Rayner offered to pay him $100,000. However, the two men’s original agreement did not materialize.
This week, it has been reported that Rayner filed a restraining order against Thomas Markle after the latter reportedly threatened to kill him. The paparazzi company owner believes that Thomas can live up to his threat because of certain statements that he made.
Thomas Markle Threatened To Kill Jeff Rayner Following Their Failed Photos, Videos Deal
Thomas’s threats were quoted in Tom Bower’s new book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors. A copy of Rayner’s court filing was also released online.
“Thomas W. Markle is quoted on approximately page 220 of the book: 'I got screwed by Rayner,' said Markle, and I'm going to find a way to screw him over before I die. I want to tear him down. If they tell me I've got terminal cancer, then I'll kill him because I have nothing to lose. [He] Threatened in writing to kill me since he is 78 years old, I anticipate he will use a gun or other weapon,” Rayner wrote (via Yahoo! News).
Rayner also claimed to have been living in fear and anxiety following Thomas’s threats.
“Markle has made public threats against Jeff Rayner in various interviews previously threatening and harassing him. If he is diagnosed with any terminal illness, which can happen any day, he will kill Jeff Rayner because he has ‘nothing to lose,’” the filing stated.
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Thomas Markle Posed For Staged Photos Ahead Of Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding
Years ago, Thomas and his daughter, the Duchess of Sussex, had a falling out after the patriarch’s staged photos were published by the Daily Mail. Some of his snaps included images of Thomas being fitted for his suit, reading articles about the royal family at a computer shop, and more.
But after the snaps were released, Markle’s dad reportedly thought that they looked stupid and hammy. And he also regrets getting involved with Rayner. However, the damage has already been done.
Thomas Markle Skipped Meghan Markle’s Wedding After His Staged Photos Were Busted
Following the controversy, Markle and Prince Harry’s royal wedding pushed through, but Thomas did not make it. The former lighting director suffered two strokes ahead of his daughter’s big day, and this prevented him from traveling to the United Kingdom.
Shortly after, Markle wrote a handwritten letter to her dad. And once again, a copy of the letter was leaked to the tabloids. After which, it is believed that the Duchess of Sussex stopped talking to Thomas for good for fear that her other messages would also be leaked to the press.
Check back for more stories and updates about Thomas Markle Sr. here at EpicStream!
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