Meghan Markle's Suits 'Dad' has savage response to claims about her behaviour on set

Wendell Pierce quickly rushed to the Duchess of Sussex's defence last week, after a royal commentator ruthlessly dragged his former on-screen daughter's reputation.

The Suits actor - who played Meghan's character Rachel Zane's father, Robert, as a recurring cast member of the legal drama between 2013 and her departure in 2019 - took to social media on Wednesday (6 Nov) with a fiery statement.

Pierce's tweet was shared in response to remarks released by British royal biographer Angela Levin in the days prior.

For those who didn't catch Levin's comments, they were also made online, themselves in response to talk of 44-year-old Meghan's return to the acting world following an eight-year break.

After giving up her entertainment work following her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, she was spotted on the set of an upcoming feature film, which was filmed in Pasadena, California.

Pierce played Meghan's on-screen father in Suits (Ian Watson/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

She was recently photographed on the set of the feature-length film, Close Personal Friends, which also features the likes of Lily Collins, Brie Larson and Jack Quaid.

According to People, the Duchess will reportedly play herself, with a source telling the publication that she has a 'small part', but she 'seemed very relaxed and happy', adding: "She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth."

Responding to the news, royal journalist Levin first shared a comment written by another of Meghan's critics, which read, 'I thought her passion was white labelling jam', an apparent dig at her As Ever lifestyle and grocery brand.

The same critic also wrote: "This woman has had more career attempts than Brooklyn Beckham."

As well as this, Levin also gave her twopence, adding: "Meghan won't love being told what to do by any producer. Suits actors found her 'difficult, demanding and rude', and she was only a starter then."

As we say, however, one of the first to jump to the mother-of-two's defence was her 62-year-old former cast mate, Pierce.

Pierce was quick to defend Meghan against the accusations (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Taking to X, he responded to Levin's claims by branding her a 'shameless hack'.

"You have no idea what you are talking about @angelalevin1," the Louisiana-born actor wrote. "You are a gossip monger looking to profit off of smearing a woman you know nothing about."

Pierce continued: "Meghan was a kind, giving, and talented artist who I enjoyed working with for years. You, Angela, are a shameless hack. I'm more mad at myself for allowing you to get under my skin.

"I'll focus this anger on the friendship that Meghan and I have and the fond memories I have from working on SUITS."

He added: "Her grace is something you know nothing about."

Neither Meghan nor her representatives has responded to Levin's claims.

Pierce responded to Levin's comments on social media (X)

The TV star, also famed for portraying Detective Bunk Moreland in the HBO drama series The Wire, has since been praised for his defence of Meghan, with one onlooker writing on Reddit: "Wonderful actor and obviously a loyal friend and colleague."

Another fan added: "Yess papa Zane, he has always defended Meghan for years and these deranged rota keep trying him."

"Detective Bunk getting all in someone’s a**. Love to see it," a third jibed.

"Way to clap back!!!!" wrote another. "I know most people would have let the lie stand because it’s just so egregious and out there. I’m glad Wendell didn’t!!!"

Tyla has contacted Meghan Markle's representatives for comment.