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The fallout from Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey

Family, friends, fans and foes all over the world watch as Harry and Meghan talk about their royal life experience during an interview with Oprah Winfrey/ Getty Images

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By Simone Gavros

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey on Mar. 7 uncovered shocking revelations during their time as working royals.

The couple addressed concerning topics, including alleged racism within the institution, an unnamed member of the family questioning the skin tone of their unborn child, and Meghan’s mental health where she said she “just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

The Duke and Duchess also cleared up any rumours that have been seen in the media during the interview from a past conflict with Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, to blindsiding the Queen when they decided to leave the Royal Family, according to etalk.

A week later, the fallout after the interview has been astronomical. Many friends of the couple spoke out in support of them on Twitter after their bombshell interview.

it has been more than a week since Meghan Markle and prince harry made bombshell revelations about the British royal family. Reactions from family, friends, fans and foes are still pouring in.
RSJ news/jenna benchetrit

Reactions from notable British individuals have come to light since the allegations were made.

“For the royal family, its staff and advisers, the interview was an unmitigated disaster, as they face multiple accusations of being racist, callous, uncaring and downright cruel,” said royal specialist Patricia Treble in a Maclean’s opinion piece on Mar. 8.

Buckingham Palace broke its silence on Mar. 9 to respond to the allegations. “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning,” the statement said.

It goes on to say that, “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”

The statement issued by Buckingham Palace after Harry and Meghan talked about their challenges during their time as senior members of the British Royal Family.

Prince William denied the allegations saying, “We’re very much not a racist family,” to a reporter on Mar. 11.

Former morning show host Piers Morgan walked off the set during “Good Morning Britain” Mar. 9, after he was criticized by meteorologist Alex Beresford for questioning the Duchess’ truthfulness regarding her suicidal thoughts, according to CNN.

Morgan has been supported by good friend Sharon Osbourne who spoke out on Twitter saying that she “stands with” him.

This prompted the hiatus of the show “The Talk” on Monday and Tuesday after a heated debate with co-host Sheryl Underwood, according to CNN.

Osbourne has since apologized for her behaviour in a tweet saying, “I do not condone racism, misogyny or bullying. I should have been more specific about that in my tweet.”

Ratings for the couple have plummeted in the U.K. following the interview, according to Global News.

The YouGov poll found that 45 per cent of respondents view Harry positively and 48 per cent negatively. Meghan, on the other hand, had only 31 per cent of a positive view and 58 per cent negative.

As heavy as the interview was, the couple revealed that they are expecting a baby girl this summer.

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International

Corruption Convictions Annulled Against Brazil’s Ex-President

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Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil's former president, center, greets supporters outside of the Federal Police Headquarters in Curitiba, Brazil, on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. A judge ordered Lula be released from jail following a high-profile court decision reversing rules for imprisoning convicts. Photographer: Guy Pichard/Bloomberg via Getty Images

By Kemone Moodley

Ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva had his corruption convictions annulled last week, setting the stage for a 2022 presidential face-off against current president Jair Bolsonaro. 

According to BBC, Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin made the decision after finding that the court that convicted Lula didn’t have the jurisdiction to do so. The landmark decision allows the 75-year-old, previously banned due to his convictions, to run as a candidate in Brazil’s 2022 presidential election. 

The 2022 presidential election is currently highlighted by deep political polarization. Katy Watson, a South American correspondent for BBC, said that Lula is a “towering figure in left-wing politics” and could pose trouble for right-wing Bolsonaro. A preview was seen last Wednesday when, while talking to the metalworkers union in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Lula criticized Bolsonaro’s handling of COVID-19 and said “many of these deaths could have been avoided.” 

These criticisms were immediately met with a defense from Bolsonaro. The current president, who has publicly dismissed the seriousness of the virus, told CNN Brazil that Lula’s “campaign is merely to criticize, lie, and promote disinformation.” 

According to CBC, Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic has been widely criticized by the international community. Aside from delays in obtaining vaccines for the country, the president has consistently opposed quarantine measures introduced by Brazil’s state governors. He also refuses to put the country into lockdown despite new variants of the virus being found in Brazil. Brazil, whose economy is also struggling, lost 270,000 people to COVID-19. The country’s loss is the worst death toll outside the United States. 

However, while the pandemic tips the election in Lula’s favour, the former president face critics of his own. According to Watson “while Lula remains very popular, he’s seen by his detractors as a symbol of corruption at the very top.” Lula also publicly denounced Petroleo Brasileiro SA, or Petrobras, and said those buying from the company “best be afraid.” 

Lula, who held office from 2003 to 2010, was convicted after an investigation into a large bribery scandal. Known as Operation Car Wash, the scandal brought down many politicians and business leaders across Brazil. Justice Fachin’s decision resets Lula’s case and he could be convicted again. 

The prosecutor-general office plans to appeal Justice Fachin’s decision.

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