Omid Scobie, the author and alleged close friend of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has once again come to the defense of the royal couple in light of recent criticism regarding their planned visit to Colombia.
The trip has sparked significant debate, particularly given the current security concerns surrounding the country.
Scobie took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to address the backlash following Meghan and Harry’s announcement of their four-day visit to Colombia later this summer.
In his post, Scobie remarked, “Some people really do Olympic level gymnastics to miss the point. I can only speak for myself, but never once have I received a death threat from someone in Colombia – the vast (almost exclusive) majority over the past six years has come from deranged individuals based in the UK.”
His comments appear to be a direct response to concerns about safety and threats related to their travel plans.
The trip, which has been arranged at the invitation of Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Marquez, comes despite the UK government issuing a strong warning about security risks.
The government’s advisory highlights a “high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals,” noting that groups and individuals who view the UK and its nationals as targets could be involved.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the US government also considers Colombia a “level 3” hazard zone.
This classification reflects ongoing issues with violent crime, including homicide, assault, and armed robbery, which have contributed to concerns about the safety of travelers.
The timing of Meghan and Harry’s decision to undertake this trip has raised eyebrows, especially given the Duke’s previous expressions of concern about the safety of his family.
Royal experts and commentators have been surprised by the couple’s choice to move forward with their plans despite these warnings.
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The trip has not only sparked a debate about the risks involved but also about the broader implications of their decision given their high-profile status and the potential for increased media scrutiny.
In light of the backlash, Scobie’s defense underscores a broader discussion about the nature of threats faced by public figures and the complexities of security when traveling to regions with heightened risks.
His remarks aim to highlight that while there are real concerns, the threats faced by Meghan and Harry have not primarily originated from Colombia, but rather from other sources.
This controversy is part of a larger pattern of public scrutiny faced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they navigate their roles and decisions in the spotlight.
The visit to Colombia, while intended to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties, continues to be a point of contention and discussion among both the media and the public.
