Arts·Group Chat

Harry and Meghan and the politics of the paparazzi

Prince Harry and Meghan released a statement saying they were "relentlessly" chased by paparazzi after an awards event in New York City. Culture writer Ellie Hall breaks down what we know about the story so far, while economist and author Allison Schrager demystifies the workings of American paparazzi.

Culture writers Ellie Hall and Allison Schrager contextualize what we know so far

A person wearing a gold dress speaks at a lectern bears a sign reading, 'Ms. Foundation  for women.'
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Woman of Vision Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Ms. Foundation)

Prince Harry and Meghan released a statement on Wednesday saying they were "relentlessly" chased by paparazzi after an awards event in New York City.

While the facts surrounding this developing story are still somewhat in dispute, there is nonetheless an immediate echo to Princess Diana's death — in a car chase, pursued by the paparazzi. It raises the question: how has Harry and Meghan's relationship with the press changed as they've become celebrities in the US?

Culture writer Ellie Hall breaks down what we know about the story so far, while economist and author Allison Schrager demystifies the workings of American paparazzi.

WATCH | Prince Harry's trouble with tabloids highlighted by car chase claims:

Prince Harry’s trouble with tabloids highlighted by car chase claims

2 years ago
Duration 1:55
Dogged by the British press since childhood, Prince Harry moved to the U.S. partly to escape them. But while the royals seem to have found a way to live with the U.K. media, the American paparazzi operate under different rules.

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Panel produced by Jane van Koeverden and Danielle Grogan.