SNL U.K. Weekend Update Mocks Meghan Markle’s Father Abuse Allegations
The latest episode of 'Saturday Night Live U.K.' featured a 'Weekend Update' segment where co-host Paddy Young directly referenced the recent allegations that Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, is a pedophile. Young joked that if the claims are true, Meghan could be considered royal, referencing her 2025 move to the Philippines. Fellow host Ania Magliano also satirized the announced 'Glee' reboot, while Young made a self-deprecating joke about James Bond auditions and criticized the BBC.
Key points
- Paddy Young referenced the recent allegations that Meghan Markle’s father is a pedophile, calling it a 'pathetic attempt to win over the British public.'
- Young joked that if the allegations are true, Meghan Markle could be considered royal, referencing her 2025 move to the Philippines.
- Ania Magliano mocked the recently announced 'Glee' reboot on Disney+, noting the original series was 'struck by repeated tragedies, including multiple cast deaths.'
- Paddy Young joked about James Bond auditions, saying 'I know this is late, but I’d like to put myself forward,' before fluffing the line.
- Young also criticized the BBC, noting that Radio Four Extra will close, calling it 'devastating news for its listener.'
Background
This segment comes amid a major real-world controversy involving Meghan Markle and her father, Thomas Markle. In December 2025, Meghan reportedly sent a final letter to her father, stating that authorities knew of his alleged child sex abuse and that he would never meet their children. This followed Philippine investigations into digital evidence found at Markle’s former home and a 2019 letter from his ex-wife to UK police. The Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving a letter in January 2019 detailing abuse claims but did not share the details with other law enforcement agencies. Meghan stated her estrangement was to protect her children, while Thomas Markle denies the claims, calling them 'sick lies.'
Why it matters
The segment highlights how late-night comedy is engaging with the most sensitive and controversial real-world news, using satire to address the ongoing legal and personal fallout surrounding the Markle family. It also reflects the broader cultural conversation around the 'Glee' reboot and the state of British media, as seen in the BBC criticism.
What to watch
The 'Glee' reboot is expected to air on Disney+, and the James Bond auditions are ongoing. The legal and personal proceedings regarding Thomas Markle’s allegations will likely continue to be a major news story, with Philippine authorities investigating digital evidence found at his former home.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Variety