Meghan Markle is dumbfounded that she has to address the same rumors and scandals once again. It seems the Duchess of Sussex has no choice but to bring out the “big guns” of her legal team to ensure her family’s reputation remains intact, especially regarding the integrity of her mother, Doria Ragland.
The Stunning And Damaging Report
After fighting “tooth and nail” to clear her name against claims regarding her father, Thomas Markle — who recently underwent a leg amputation in the Philippines — the Duchess was faced with a stunningly damaging report about her mother.
Earlier this month, during a segment on GB News, journalist Carole Malone falsely claimed that Meghan’s father “brought her up” and “paid for her private education while her mother was in jail.”
Pressed on this by other panelists, the former Celebrity Big Brother housemate then wrongly insisted that Ragland was imprisoned “years ago,” despite this not being the case, and retorted: “Do you want me to give you a precise date and time?”
The Forced Apology: “A Genuine Error”
Meghan Markle was quick to have her lawyers contact the network to issue an apology and to clear up the story, explaining it was all fake.
Carole, looking visibly unhappy and unconvinced, was forced to read out a written apology on the air. She began: “On Thursday, December 4th 2025, I stated that Thomas Markle, the Duchess of Sussex’s father, brought Meghan up while her mother, Doria Ragland, was in prison. I believed this to be the case based on what I now understand to be misinformation I had seen online. I was questioned about the validity of this claim during the broadcast and I repeated this belief, which I now understand to be false. This was a genuine error. I accept what I have now been told on behalf of Miss Ragland that she raised her daughter, and that she has never been in prison or jail. I apologise sincerely to Miss Ragland and her family for any pain my comments may have caused, and I am happy to set the record straight.”
Anchor Andrew Pierce then added: “Can I just say, on behalf of GB News, because I was on the programme that day, we all wish to apologise to Miss Ragland for the error, and we are happy to correct the record.”
Team Sussex Weighs In: “Inform, Not Inflame”
A spokesperson for Team Sussex confirmed that the story has been online for more than two years and has been debunked multiple times.
Doria Ragland has been an exemplary mother and role model for her daughter and now her grandchildren.
She has been on a solo journey to support her daughter’s upbringing by balancing multiple roles, beginning her career as a television makeup artist on the set of General Hospital before transitioning into the travel industry as a dedicated travel agent.
Doria pursued her higher education, eventually earning a Master of Social Work and opening her own small business while working as a certified yoga instructor.
Through her years as a clinical therapist and social worker specializing in the geriatric community, Doria demonstrated a tireless work ethic that Meghan has often cited as the inspiration for her own humanitarian and professional drive.
The representative also made it clear that the apology was not voluntary by stating: “Broadcasters have a responsibility to inform, not inflame. This lie was conclusively debunked more than two years ago, yet it continues to be recycled by irresponsible commentators, causing recurring harm. Ms Ragland proudly raised her daughter and has never been in prison. GB News did not apologize voluntarily, but only to escape a defamation lawsuit — and it speaks volumes that GB News removed any trace of that apology within 24 hours of making it.”
Potential Legal Fallout For 2026
The on-air retraction may be just the beginning of the story, as sources close to Doria revealed that she is weighing her options.
The person told Newsweek: “A complaint was lodged with the channel regarding false and highly defamatory allegations made by Carole Malone on a GB News program. As for whether this marks the end of the matter, that will be for Ms. Ragland and her lawyers to decide.”
The Duchess of Sussex may be “livid” or at least confused because the network has since scrubbed the correction from its digital presence.
