Thomas Markle denies child abuse images as Philippines investigates

Meghan Markle issued a written statement on Friday after her half-brother Thomas Markle Jr. reported finding hundreds if not thousands of alleged child sexual abuse images at their father Thomas Markle Sr.'s Cebu, Philippines residence. Philippine authorities confirmed a preliminary inquiry. Thomas Jr. filed a sworn affidavit and contacted the FBI tip line, NCMEC and Pennsylvania State Police. No charges or arrest have been reported. Thomas Markle Sr., 82, denied the allegations from a Florida rehab facility: "I could never do what I'm being accused of. It's the worst thing anyone could accuse me of. It's just a bunch of lies. It's sick." Samantha Markle defended her father to the Daily Mail. Thomas Jr. said he was horrified and had no option but to report his dad, adding he will not speak to him again unless called to give evidence. Meghan said a 2018 letter to the Metropolitan Police made troubling allegations against her father, shared with her after her wedding, and that keeping him from her children was to protect them. She said she is deeply distressed, the uncovered material more sickening than one could imagine, and hopes justice is fully served. The claims remain unestablished.