In a recent turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been advised to consider legal action against a YouTuber who proposed a stunt mimicking a "South Park" episode titled "Worldwide Privacy Tour." The episode satirically portrayed the royal couple's pursuit of privacy after their departure from the UK, showing animated versions of the pair touring globally with "We want privacy" signs.
Andy Signore, the mind behind the "Popcorned Palace" YouTube Channel, which boasts over 41,000 subscribers, floated the idea of renting a tour bus to transport him and his followers from Los Angeles to the Sussexes' Montecito residence. He envisioned participants wielding "we want privacy" signs and megaphones, congregating outside the couple's home to demand privacy. Signore mentioned the possibility of selling a few tickets to offset the tour's costs and solicited donations for "research" to realize the event. However, he emphasized that the intent was not harassment and urged viewers to refrain from any aggressive actions.
The YouTuber's proposal references a "South Park" episode that humorously depicted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's privacy quest. The animated royals were shown traveling worldwide, brandishing signs demanding privacy.
However, following backlash, Signore clarified that his suggestion was made in jest. He implored the public not to harass anyone, especially the royal couple, and confirmed he had no plans to appear at their residence. Despite this, his video has raised concerns among experts. Christopher Bouzy from Bot Sentinel, a data analysis firm that has delved into online attacks against Meghan Markle, expressed that the Sussexes should treat Signore's proposal with gravity due to the potential safety risks.
Bouzy highlighted the alarming trend of individuals leveraging YouTube for targeted harassment and criticized the platform for its perceived indifference. He hopes the Duke and Duchess will "explore every legal avenue to safeguard their wellbeing," even suggesting a restraining order due to the escalating nature of such harassment and the potential threats to their family's safety.
Signore further clarified that there was no intention to harass or stalk the Sussexes outside their home. He described the plan as a mere drive-by for a photo opportunity, akin to most Hollywood tour buses.
Meghan Markle, in the "Harry & Meghan" Netflix docuseries, has previously shared her fears for her family's safety. She recounted the online death threats she received and her anxieties about someone breaking into their home, emphasizing the real-world implications of such online narratives.
