A photograph allegedly depicting Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a sexual situation with a girl believed to be underage has reportedly been handed to investigators in the Philippines. The image is among the material that has prompted an investigation into allegations that Markle possessed child sexual abuse images at his former home in Cebu.

Philippine Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed on 23 October that the country’s Anti-Trafficking and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children task force in Cebu was investigating the matter. The allegations have not been proven, and the identity of the person depicted in the photograph has not been independently established.

Photo: Getty

According to reports, Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan’s half-brother, said he discovered a collection of suspected child sexual abuse material among belongings left at his father’s former residence after Markle returned to the United States. The items reportedly included photographs, videos, electronic devices and photographic negatives.

One of the alleged images was described as a 35mm photographic negative showing a bearded man on a bed with a young girl. The man was alleged to resemble Thomas Markle, but that identification has not been independently verified. Investigators will need to establish the material’s authenticity, its origins and whether it provides evidence of an offence.

Photo: Ap

Thomas Markle has denied the allegations, describing them as “sick lies” in comments reported by British media. His son said he handed evidence to Philippine police and contacted the FBI in the United States. The FBI has acknowledged awareness of the allegations and said it would support Philippine authorities where appropriate and investigate any related potential violations of US federal law.

The case has also renewed attention on Meghan’s estrangement from her father. In a statement issued on 23 October, the Duchess said she had been informed of allegations against him in 2018 after a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit.

Meghan said the letter was subsequently shared with her and that she had been assured the allegations were being investigated. She also explained that her decision to prevent her father from having contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was intended to protect them.

Photo: AP

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that it is making internal inquiries to establish whether officers from its specialist protection command passed the letter to Meghan. The force is not conducting a criminal investigation into Thomas Markle over the allegations, according to reports. It remains unclear whether the claims in the 2018 letter are connected to the material now being examined in the Philippines.

Meghan said she was deeply distressed by the latest reports and expressed hope that justice would be served and that children’s safety would remain the priority.

The investigation in the Philippines is ongoing. No publicly reported findings have established that the alleged photograph is authentic or confirmed the identity of the man depicted. Thomas Markle continues to deny the allegations.

Jenna Ortega is considering taking a break from television after Wednesday ends, following years of moving between acting projects. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actress said she wants to make room for new experiences after spending much of her childhood working on television.

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Ortega appeared in shows including Jane the Virgin and You before landing the lead role in Netflix’s “Wednesday.” Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams brought her wider recognition and made the series one of the most prominent projects of her career.

On the podcast, Ortega said she would probably be “off the TV for a while” after Wednesday. She explained that she had spent years moving from one show to another as a child and now wants to leave room for other opportunities. “What I’m meant to do will come and find me,” she added.

The comments suggest that Ortega is considering a change in her working schedule, rather than announcing an end to her acting career. She has not named any specific plans for the period after “Wednesday,” leaving open the possibility of exploring different projects or taking time away from television.

For now, her role as Wednesday Addams remains an ongoing part of her career. Netflix confirmed on September 30 that filming for the third season had wrapped, although the streaming service has yet to announce a premiere date. The new season is expected in 2027.

Photo: Getty Images

Ortega’s next career move remains undecided, but her remarks offer a glimpse of how she is thinking about life beyond a long-running television commitment. After years of moving between sets, she appears keen to give herself more freedom over what she takes on next.

Read Next Post: Halle Berry’s Restraining Order Extended as Court Battle Drags Into Second Week

Halle Berry’s legal battle with her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, has entered another week. This is after a Los Angeles judge extended a temporary domestic violence restraining order against the actress. The former couple returned to court on Friday, October 23.

The hearing has involved several days of testimonies over the teenager’s welfare. The proceedings will resume on Monday, October 26, with Nahla Aubry, expected to testify remotely.

The case began after Martinez alleged that Berry physically attacked and choked their son during an argument on September 26. Berry denied the claim through her legal team.

Photo: Getty Images

Martinez’s request has led to changes in the former couple’s custody arrangement. The temporary order granted him primary physical custody of Maceo and restricted Berry’s time with their son. Under the arrangement, Berry’s visits were limited to specified days and hours while the court considered the allegations.

The latest extension means the existing restrictions remain in place while the hearing continues. It does not represent a final ruling on the abuse allegations or the couple’s long-term custody arrangements.

The proceedings have included testimony from both parents and their son. Maceo testified for nearly four hours on October 19 in a closed courtroom. His testimony was sealed to protect his privacy as a minor.

Read Also: Rihanna Gives Fans a Rare Glimpse of Her Children at Her Childhood Home

Berry also testified during the hearings. Her fiancé, musician Van Hunt, took the stand on October 23, with his testimony held privately.

One of the key moments involved Martinez’s earlier statements about domestic violence. During cross-examination, Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, questioned him about a declaration he signed in September 2024 stating that the former couple had no history of domestic violence.

Martinez confirmed that he had signed the document and agreed that the statement was true when he made it. His lawyer, Patrick Baghdaserians, subsequently explained that the declaration was related to a financial request concerning legal fees. He argued that it referred to the absence of previous domestic violence restraining orders and convictions at that time.

Photo: Getty Images

Berry has disputed Martinez’s account of the September incident. Her legal team has described his claims as misleading and has challenged his handling of their son’s welfare.

Berry has also accused Martinez of interfering with Maceo’s education and care. She said  his actions make it hard for her to participate in important decisions concerning their son.

Berry is seeking to have the restraining order dismissed and wants the court to restore their previous  custody arrangement. She has also requested sole legal custody.

Martínez wants sole legal and physical custody. His arguments are that the restrictions are necessary to protect their son. His attorney said that Maceo’s welfare and safety is the priority.

Berry’s daughter, Nahla Aubry, has emerged as another important figure in the dispute. The 18-year-old submitted a declaration supporting her mother.

Nahla said she had never witnessed Berry act violently towards anyone. She described her mother as supportive.

Berry and Martinez married in July 2013 and separated in 2015. Their divorce was finalised in August 2023. They agreed to joint custody of Maceo. Berry was also ordered to pay monthly child support.