Thomas Markle Sr. Has denied allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material, insisting in a new interview that he has never had sex with anyone under 18.
The 82-year-old father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, spoke On Saturday after police in the Philippines announced an investigation into claims that a trove of disturbing images was discovered at his home in Cebu City. Thomas Sr., who has been estranged from his daughter for years, addressed the accusations directly in the interview published Sunday.
“I have never had sex with anyone under the age of 18,” he claimed to the Mail.
The investigation stems from claims by Thomas Sr.’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., 60, who allegedly discovered what he described as “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sexual abuse images in four boxes at their father’s Cebu residence. Among the material Thursday report, was a 15-minute video on an LG mobile phone depicting children no older than 10 or 11. The outlet On Sunday also reported that one 35 mm photograph allegedly showed a bearded man resembling Thomas Sr. Having sex with a young Asian girl.
“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas Sr. Said Friday, slamming the “sick lies.”
Thomas Sr. Continued his denials in the Saturday interview. “I have never been in a photograph like that,” he insisted to the Mail. “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.”
While denying the child abuse allegations, Thomas Sr. Did admit to other aspects of his personal history. He told the Mail he “slept with prostitutes” when he was single, and acknowledged traveling to the Philippines at least twice. “I like Asian women but that is not a crime,” he noted.
Thomas Sr. Directed anger at his son throughout his responses. “This is bulls—t. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies,” he asserted to the publication.
The Cebu City Police Office in the Philippines announced its investigation after receiving the allegations. The case has drawn international attention due to Thomas Sr.’s connection to Meghan, who has had no public contact with her father since before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
The duchess has previously described herself as “deeply distressed” by reports involving her father, though her representatives have emphasized she was informed of general allegations in 2018 without specific details being shared across law enforcement agencies. The Metropolitan Police in London confirmed it received a letter with claims about Thomas Sr. But did not distribute it to other forces at that time.