Prince Harry, Meghan's rep says NYC car chase incident was not a publicity stunt

Harry and Meghan's spokesperson claimed on May 17 that the couple had been dangerously pursued by paparazzi in a 'near catastrophic car chase' through the streets of Manhattan. Photo: AP

Last week, there was a piece of news on Prince Harry and wife Meghan being hounded by paparazzi in New York City.

Harry and Meghan's spokesperson claimed on May 17 that the couple had been dangerously pursued by paparazzi in a "near catastrophic car chase” through the streets of Manhattan.

“Last night, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and (Meghan's mother) Ms. Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi,” the pair’s rep told Page Six in a statement, adding that the pursuit lasted over two hours.

The next day, photographers disputed the royal couple's account of the incident.

"According to the accounts given by these freelance contributors, they were covering the couple's stay in New York City, including the possibility of a dinner after an award ceremony. They had no intention of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras. A few of the photos even show Meghan Markle smiling inside a cab," photo agency Backgrid USA Inc told Los Angeles Times.

Others have also weighed in on the incident, saying that a high-speed chase in Manhattan is impossible as the city is known for its traffic.

Actress and TV host Whoopi Goldberg chimed in on the incident on her talk show The View.

“I think people in New York know if it was possible to have car chases in New York (or) we’d all make it to the theatre on time,” Goldberg said.

“I think their spokesman referenced something that you generally would reference in Los Angeles. That’s where you have chases. That’s where you can move at high speeds,” she added.

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan's rep has responded to claims that it was all a publicity stunt.

“Respectfully, considering the duke’s family history, one would have to think nothing of the couple or anybody associated with them to believe this was any sort of PR stunt. Quite frankly, I think that’s abhorrent,” the couple’s spokesperson, Ashley Hansen, told Page Six.

Prince Harry's mother, Princess Diana died in a car accident in 1997 involving paparazzi.