David Foster has denied claims that he snubbed Meghan Markle on the red carpet at his charity foundation's gala, calling the speculation "a hurtful lie." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the 40th anniversary event for the David Foster Foundation in Canada last weekend.
Red carpet video sparks speculation
Videos from the event appeared to show Meghan extending her arm to welcome Foster and his wife, Katharine McPhee, into a group photo. Foster then seemed to walk past the couple without looking at them before McPhee guided him into position for the picture.
The footage caused a stir online, prompting Foster to issue a statement to People magazine. "As the host of the David Foster and Friends foundation event, I had already greeted our friends, the Duke and Duchess, at the entrance 10 minutes before the red carpet encounter," he said.
Foster defends friendship with Sussexes
"They both, graciously and selflessly, gave their time and went beyond to engage with everyone. Harry and Meghan are dear friends of mine. Anyone watching can see there was no awkward moment and certainly no snub," Foster added.
He continued: "It's sad that certain media chose to deceive a red carpet encounter for clickbait. They turned simple 'positioning' to get the best photo into a hurtful lie."
Meghan shares behind-the-scenes footage
Meghan shared her own videos and photos from the night on Instagram, including footage of the couple walking through a corridor lined with pipers and drummers in traditional kilts. In the video, Meghan said: "My husband loves bagpipes!" and added: "Oh my god, this is amazing!" Harry joked with the musicians, asking: "Where are mine?" before correcting himself to say "pipes and drums."
Meghan also posted a selfie of the couple, showing her in a black one-shoulder evening gown by Canadian designer Greta Constantine, with diamond earrings that previously belonged to Princess Diana, while Harry wore a tuxedo.
Long-standing friendship
The charity event was part of a weekend-long celebration marking 40 years of The David Foster Foundation, which provides financial support to Canadian families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants.
The two couples have been friends for several years, with Foster arranging for the Duke and Duchess to stay at a close friend's mansion on Vancouver Island in 2019. Foster's wife Katharine also went to school with Meghan.
