Photo Agency Behind Meghan, Harry’s Alleged ‘Near-Catastrophic Car Chase’ Denies Allegation

In response to allegations that photographers aggressively pursued Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their alleged “near catastrophic” paparazzi car pursuit through Manhattan on Tuesday night, Backgrid USA, a picture business, has issued a statement.

After an event that evening, Harry, 38, and Markle, 41, departed the Ziegfeld Theater in Midtown with Markle’s mother at 9:50 p.m. Paparazzi followed the group but were unable to capture any pictures of the renowned couple as they departed the location.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson then asserted that they “were involved in a nearly catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.”

The business, however, has responded to the allegations, stating that its photographers “had no intention of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras.”

“At Backgrid USA Inc., we value transparency and ethics in journalism, which include providing fair and factual responses to claims,” the company said in a statement to ET. “We are aware of Prince Harry’s statement regarding an alleged ‘near catastrophic car chase’ involving himself, Meghan Markle, and her mother, in New York City on Tuesday night.”

“We want to clarify that we have received photos and videos of last night’s events from four freelance photographers, three of whom were in cars and one of whom was riding a bicycle,” the statement continued.

“It is important to note that these photographers have a professional responsibility to cover newsworthy events and personalities, including public figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.”

One of the four SUVs from Prince Harry’s security escort, according to the independent photographers engaged to cover the event, was driving in a potentially unsafe manner. In one footage, the car can be seen being stopped by police after it was seen blocking off streets.

Backgrid then appeared to refute the duke’s allegations of hostile photographers, claiming that “according to the photographers present, there were no near-collisions or near-crashes during this incident.”

“The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in immediate danger at any point,” the statement added.

The photo agency ended its statement by saying it will be looking “into the matter,” saying it does not “condone any form of harassment or illegal activity.”

“We are taking Prince Harry’s allegations seriously and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the matter,” the statement concluded.

On Wednesday, law enforcement sources described a much less dramatic ordeal, saying the chase only lasted about one hour as the family switched to a yellow cab to try to get the paps off their trail.

The trio’s vehicle was followed by a “significant” press presence, according to sources, as well as a private security car and an NYPD vehicle.

According to the NYPD, there were no connected 911 calls or collision reports.

The royals apparently wanted to retire for the evening and go to their exclusive Upper East Side apartment without giving the press and photographers their exact location.