Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issue new statement on 'reckoning' as they declare 'the truth has been heard'
It's something the Sussexes have been supporting for some timePrince Harry and Meghan Markle have spoken out in a new statement following some landmark news.
This week, a US court found Meta and Google liable for a woman’s childhood social media addiction. A jury ruled that Google, owner of YouTube, and Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, built platforms to hook young users.
Meta and Google said they disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex previously supported those who had brought legal action against Meta and Google.
Now, they’ve celebrated the latest outcome and branded the verdict “a reckoning”.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issue statement on social media trial verdict
In a statement, Harry and Meghan have said: “This verdict is a reckoning. For too long, families have paid the price for platforms built with total disregard for the children they reach.
“We stand with every parent and young person who refused to be silenced. Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set.”
In addition, they said: “Let this be the change – where our children’s safety is finally prioritised above profit.”
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For some time, the duke and duchess have raised awareness of the dangers of social media. They have actively campaigned to highlight the negative impacts that platforms can have on the mental health of children, young people and their families.
Prince Harry’s tearful appearance
Last month, Harry became emotional as he met with bereaved families who supported the lawsuit against Meta and Google.
As reported by the BBC, Prince Harry told the families: “We’ve said time and time again that this is a David versus Goliath situation.
Today, the truth has been heard and precedent has been set.
“I’ve been in some similar situations myself – vastly different – but when you’re sitting in court and if you have that feeling of just overwhelming emotion, because you can’t believe that the people on the other side are saying what they’re saying – that by the very nature of defending what they’re defending, the lies that they are stating, is devaluing life, is devaluing your children’s lives – if that brings stuff up for you, it is totally normal. Do not feel ashamed.”
Getting choked up, Harry said: “None of you should be here. Thank you for doing everything that you’ve done. Thank you for telling your stories over and over again.”
Meta and Google’s responses to the trial verdict
Following the trial verdict this week, Meta and Google have spoken out.
Meta has said: “Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.
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“We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.”
Meanwhile, a Google spokesperson said: “This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.”
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