David Foster has denied claims that he snubbed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on the red carpet at his foundation's gala in Canada, calling them "dear friends" and insisting there was "no awkward moment".
Red carpet encounter at gala
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the David Foster and Friends foundation event in Canada last Friday, celebrating 40 years since the foundation was set up. At the event, Meghan and Harry were seen posing for photographs on the red carpet before being joined by founder David Foster and his wife Katharine McPhee.
While the moment was seen as sweet by many as the four laughed and smiled together, others claimed online that it looked awkward, with some even claiming that David snubbed the pair.
Foster sets the record straight
Now, 76-year-old David has shared a statement with People magazine setting the record straight and defending Meghan, 45. In a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE, he said: "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."
"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."
Foundation's cause and friendship
The event on Friday was held to celebrate four decades of the foundation, which provides financial support to Canadian families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. This is financial support for non-medical costs such as accommodation, transport, clothes, and other basic items.
Harry and Meghan were believed to have been invited to the event as friends of David and his wife, with this friendship dating back years. It is believed the couples have grown closer since Harry and Meghan relocated to America in 2020, with David's wife once saying that Harry and David were like "father and son".
