10/01/2026
It’s January 2026, and the entertainment world buzzes with the usual post-holiday glow. But beneath the surface, old connections resurface in unexpected ways.
Liam Neeson, the rugged Irish actor known for his no-nonsense roles in films like Taken, appeared on the late-night talk show circuit promoting his latest thriller. During what seemed like a casual chat, he let slip a comment that reignited long-dormant rumors about Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Neeson, now in his seventies, mentioned a fleeting encounter at a New York event years ago, tying it to a wealthy hotelier named John Fitzpatrick. This off-hand remark painted a picture of Meghan as someone who navigated elite circles through strategic alliances, specifically hinting at Fitzpatrick’s role in supporting her during her Toronto days while filming Suits.
The comment came amid discussions about celebrity fundraisers and Irish connections in Hollywood. Neeson recalled the vibrant atmosphere of a Hillary Clinton–hosted event in New York City, where power players mingled. He described Meghan showing up repeatedly at parties on Fitzpatrick’s arm, portraying her as someone who latched onto influential figures for access.
This wasn’t just idle gossip. It aligned with reports from November 2025 that revisited a photo from that era showing Meghan in a striking pink dress posing with Neeson himself. Despite the visual proof, Neeson has consistently downplayed any real acquaintance, insisting it was nothing more than a brief snapshot in time.
This revelation stirs up the narrative of Meghan’s pre-royal life, a period marked by ambition and calculated moves in the acting world. Back then, she was building her career on Suits, living in Toronto and forging ties that would propel her forward.
Fitzpatrick, a prominent Irish-American businessman with a hotel empire, emerges as a key figure in this story. His generosity, including allegedly covering her rent in Toronto, suggests a dynamic that went beyond mere friendship. Sources close to the events describe how Fitzpatrick opened doors for Meghan, introducing her to high-profile individuals and providing perks that a mid-level actress might not afford on her own.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Neeson’s slip wasn’t isolated. It echoes accounts from biographies and insider interviews that detail Meghan’s ascent through elite networks. Fitzpatrick’s involvement provided not just financial support, but social capital, allowing her to attend exclusive dinners and fundraisers.
This setup raises eyebrows about the nature of their bond, especially given the age difference—Fitzpatrick being two decades her senior and firmly established in New York’s hospitality scene. The arrangement allowed Meghan to maintain a lifestyle that matched her aspirations, blending professional networking with personal benefits.
In the broader context of 2026, with Meghan focusing on Archewell productions and lifestyle ventures from Montecito, such disclosures challenge the polished image she has cultivated. Neeson’s words, though brief, peel back layers of her past, revealing how figures like Fitzpatrick played pivotal roles in her journey.
This isn’t about random encounters. It’s about a pattern of leveraging relationships to climb the social ladder—a tactic that served her well in transitioning from actress to duchess.
Liam Neeson’s appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in late 2025 served as the spark that reignited scrutiny. When pressed about famous encounters, Neeson firmly stated that he had never met Meghan Markle, emphasizing no introduction to Prince Harry either.
He shifted the conversation to praising Prince Charles and Camilla, recalling Camilla’s bold entrance at a Buckingham Palace event with a cigarette and a wine glass. Yet this denial clashed directly with existing evidence: a photograph from a New York fundraiser that captured Neeson and Meghan together, her in a form-fitting pink dress that exuded confidence and allure.
The photo, which surfaced in reports around the same time, originated from a Hillary Clinton Irish fundraiser held at Fitzpatrick’s Manhattan hotel. It shows Neeson and Meghan posing amicably, surrounded by other notables.
Despite Neeson’s insistence on no real connection, the image tells a different story—one of shared social circles facilitated by mutual acquaintances like Fitzpatrick. Insiders suggest Neeson’s reluctance stems from a desire to avoid entanglement in royal drama, but the visual proof undermines his claims, hinting at a deliberate effort to distance himself from potentially controversial associations.
This discrepancy fuels speculation about quiet cover-ups in Hollywood. Neeson’s track record as a straightforward actor makes his denial puzzling, especially when paired with the photo’s context.
The event was a gathering of Irish influencers where Fitzpatrick, as host, brought Meghan as his guest. Reports indicate she attended multiple such occasions on his invitation, blending seamlessly into a crowd of powerful men and women.
The pink-dress moment captures her at the height of her pre-Suits fame push, using these venues to network and elevate her profile.
Further complicating matters, sources from Tom Bower’s book Revenge highlight similar patterns. The biography details how Meghan’s relationships often blurred the lines between personal and professional, with figures like Fitzpatrick providing tangible support.
Neeson’s slip during the interview—mentioning her clinging to Fitzpatrick at parties—aligns with these accounts, portraying a young actress eager to capitalize on every opportunity. His words, though casual, imply an awareness of the dynamics at play, where older, wealthy mentors like Fitzpatrick offered more than just introductions.
When the photo reemerged in 2025, media outlets amplified the narrative. Publications revisited the fundraiser, noting Fitzpatrick’s role in orchestrating the guest list. Neeson’s presence as a celebrated Irish star added credibility, but his later denial suggested discomfort with the implications.
This episode underscores a broader theme in Meghan’s story: connections that propel careers, but invite questions about their foundations.
As Neeson navigates his own publicity, his off-hand comment has inadvertently spotlighted a chapter Meghan might prefer to keep archived.
John Fitzpatrick’s story begins in the rolling hills of Ireland, where hospitality runs in the family blood. Born the second eldest of five children to Paddy and Ethna Fitzpatrick—owners of three modest hotels—John started at the bottom.
As a teenager, he mowed lawns at Kilkea Castle Hotel during summers, progressing to washing dishes in the kitchen. By age seventeen, while still in school, he mixed drinks behind the bar on weekends, learning the trade from the ground up.
This hands-on education shaped Fitzpatrick into a savvy businessman. He expanded the family legacy by venturing to New York, where he built an empire of upscale hotels catering to Irish-American clientele.
His properties, including the Fitzpatrick Manhattan and Grand Hotels, became hubs for celebrities and politicians, blending luxury with a touch of home.
Fitzpatrick’s success stemmed from his ability to network, forging ties with influential figures in politics and entertainment. His contributions to peace efforts in Northern Ireland earned him an OBE from the Queen, solidifying his status as a transatlantic power player.
His hotels offered more than accommodations—they served as launch pads for aspiring talent, providing free stays and introductions that could make careers.
In Meghan’s case, this translated to complimentary rooms during her New York visits and alleged rent support during her Toronto years, easing her financial burden while she pursued bigger ambitions.
And as fresh revelations from Liam Neeson’s casual slip continue to ripple through media in January 2026, they pose a direct challenge to Meghan Markle’s meticulously crafted public image.
Her brand—built on empowerment, authenticity, and humanitarianism—rests on the narrative of a self-made woman who rose through grit alone. Allegations of financial and social support from older, wealthy benefactors threaten that foundation.
Whether more voices speak up or the story simply simmers, one truth remains:
The past has a way of insisting on being heard.
