David Foster denies snubbing Meghan Markle after awkward red carpet video goes viral

VICTORIA, CANADA: David Foster has pushed back against accusations that he snubbed Meghan Markle at a gala celebrating the 40th anniversary of his namesake foundation in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, last week.

The record producer insisted that “there was no awkward moment and certainly no snub” after a viral video misrepresented their red carpet interaction.

David Foster, Meghan Markle video explained

The clip in question is from the August 7 event attended by the Sussexes. It shows the couple posing for photographers as Foster walks toward them.

Meghan and Harry both greet Foster, and the former actress even reaches out her arm toward him, but he appears to ignore the gesture and walks straight past her.

Soon, several social media users began claiming there was tension between Meghan and the 76-year-old composer.

David Foster shuts down Meghan Markle snub rumors

However, in a statement to PEOPLE, Foster clarified that “as the host of the David Foster and Friends foundation event, I had already greeted our friends, the Duke and Duchess, at the entrance 10 minutes before the red carpet encounter.”

“They both, graciously and selflessly, gave their time and went beyond to engage with everyone. Harry and Meghan are dear friends of mine. Anyone watching can see there was no awkward moment and certainly no snub,” he stated.

Taking a direct hit at the media, the legendary producer added, “It’s sad that certain media chose to deceive a red carpet encounter for clickbait. They turned simple ‘positioning’ to get the best photo into a hurtful lie.”

How Katharine McPhee knows Meghan Markle

The former senior royals, Foster, and his wife, Katharine McPhee, are close friends, with Meghan and McPhee having attended the same school as teenagers in Los Angeles.

The 42-year-old once reportedly said, “My husband has a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry. They’re like, they’re so cute. They’re like father and son… We just stay in touch with them.”

“But mostly, Meghan and I knew each other from childhood, but really Harry and my husband are friends. It’s really nice,” she added.

David Foster's long friendship with Meghan Markle

In 2019, Foster also helped Meghan and Harry find a mansion on Vancouver Island owned by one of his friends.

At the time, he reportedly said, “I felt honored that I was able to help Meghan there because I’m a Canadian, and we’re a Commonwealth country; we’re the Crown’s. It’s important to us, so I grew up with that kind of sentiment. I was really happy to be able to help them to find a respite just to take a little time off.”