'We're sorry': Newspaper apologises over 'vile' attack on Meghan

Renowned British tabloid The Sun has issued an apology after columnist Jeremy Clarkson ripped into Meghan Markle in what has been described as a "vile" attack that triggered widespread outrage.

British television presenter and former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson took aim at Prince Harry's wife Meghan in a column last week that has since become the UK press standards regulator's most complained about article.

"We at The Sun regret the publication of this article and we are sincerely sorry," the newspaper said in a statement, adding that the article had been removed from its website and archives.

In the column published last week, Clarkson wrote of Meghan: "At night, I'm unable to sleep as I lie there, grinding my teeth and dreaming of the day when she is made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant, 'Shame!' and throw lumps of excrement at her."

Clarkson said he hated Meghan “on a cellular level.”

Britain's Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) regulator said on Tuesday it had received more than 17,500 complaints, the most about any article since it was established in 2014.

Clarkson's name began trending on social media in the wake of the column alongside the word "vile".

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"Is it any wonder Meghan Markle is scared?" Daily Mirror's lifestyle editor, Courtney Pochin, asked.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Clarkson should know "words have consequences".

"The words in his piece are no joke - they’re dangerous and inexcusable," he said.

More than 60 lawmakers signed a letter written by Caroline Nokes, chair of parliament's Women and Equalities Select Committee, to the editor of the Sun warning such articles contribute to a climate of hatred and violence against women.

In a statement tweeted on Monday, Clarkson said he was "horrified to have caused so much hurt" and would be "more careful in future".

Meghan and Prince Harry have caused a stir in recent weeks with the release of their controversial Netflix series titled Harry & Meghan, with members of the Royal Family fuming over certain claims broadcast.

With Reuters

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