Channel Seven's veteran television host Larry Emdur has disclosed that he has been inundated with 'angry messages from around the world' following his posting of what he described as an 'innocent prank' targeting Meghan Markle. The 61-year-old Gold Logie winner ignited widespread outrage after he claimed that the controversial A-lister had compiled an extensive list of 'don't ask' questions in preparation for a scheduled interview on The Morning Show.
April Fool's Joke Loses Its Sting
Larry touted the scoop as an 'exclusive' announcement, sharing the news on April 1st as a clear April Fool's Day joke. The prank was framed around a supposed interview set to occur during the Duchess of Sussex's upcoming tour of Australia. However, the television personality appeared entirely unfazed by the torrent of attacks from online critics. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Emdur stated, 'I'm still getting trolled, and angry messages from around the world, which of course I couldn't give a fat flying stuff about.'
He elaborated that the post, initially shared on April 1st, was subsequently circulated globally and appeared in various social media feeds days later. 'So it somehow lost its April Fools sting, which I think is bloody hysterical, that constitutes a hugely successful April Fools gag in my book, anyway, if you're angry then just unfollow me 'coz I don't do angry,' Larry defiantly added.
Mixed Reactions from Followers and Fans
Among his followers, the response was mixed. Seven Sunrise reporter David Woiwood humorously commented, 'I'm furious,' while other fans expressed amusement and support. One fan wrote, 'Bahaha, well, I thought I was pretty good at spotting the April Fools jokes, but this one got me,' and another added, 'Aw, people need to stop being so angry all the time.' Larry's original post included a picture of the Duchess with a smiley face etched onto it, further emphasizing the lighthearted intent.
Reddit Users Fooled by the Prank
The prank successfully deceived numerous users on Reddit, with one American-based individual sharing Larry's announcement on the platform on Monday. The Reddit user stated, 'The Morning Show in Australia has invited Meghan for a television appearance. She accepted, but not before the show agreed to a host of restrictions. Her reps gave the presenter, Larry Emdur, a LONG list of questions that he cannot ask her, which seemed to surprise even him.'
Larry's original 'announcement' detailed his 'exclusive,' proclaiming, 'This is beyond massive! Ahead of her Australian tour The Duchess of Sussex has agreed to one single interview and IT IS WITH US! Not gonna lie, the list of "don't ask" questions is long but we still can't wait. I've deliberately turned off the questions as I'm not interested in those nasty threads that can sometimes follow Meghan.'
Online Speculation and Criticism
The Reddit thread sparked further speculation, with one user questioning, 'What topics, pray tell, are off limits? Her Netflix and As Ever failures, perhaps? Mr Nice Guy is calling her out in a rather unique way.' Another contributor added, 'He's foolish to go along with the interview. If he can't ask questions, it's nothing more than a scripted puff piece.'
Background on Meghan Markle's Australian Ventures
This incident follows revelations about Meghan Markle's strategic business interests in Australia. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, has discreetly secured 12 Australian trademarks for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, according to filings with the Australian Government's intellectual property office. The applications, initially lodged in September 2024 and approved in June last year, encompass a broad range of categories including skincare, candles, gardening, clothing, event planning, jewellery, and home décor.
Industry insiders suggest this could be an opportune moment for Meghan to launch a new business venture, particularly after her multi-million dollar partnership with Netflix concluded. Her upcoming trip to Australia may not solely focus on her controversial 'Her Best Life Retreat' in Sydney, but could also involve promoting these newly trademarked products, indicating a calculated commercial strategy unfolding behind the scenes.
