NFL Free Agency opens up on Wednesday, with the legal tampering period beginning on Monday. The top free agents usually all commit to a team during that period, so be ready to rock and roll to start next week.
West
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's neighbors slam 'desperate' attempt to ditch 'tiaras in pursuit of Tupperware'
Many Montecito residents still haven’t welcomed their royal neighbors with open arms.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast, told Fox News Digital that locals are fuming that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have placed a glaring spotlight on their wealthy, coastal home.
Many depicted the California town as neighborly and quiet before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex laid down roots in 2020.
MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY CALLED LOCAL VILLAINS BY NEIGHBORS IN RITZY CALIFORNIA TOWN
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in the UK and moved to California in 2020. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“Montecito residents tell me that their disdain is primarily focused on Meghan because she gives off ‘new money energy,’” said Schofield. “They don’t believe that Harry and Meghan are financially literate.”
According to Schofield, neighbors feel the couple’s entertainment pursuits “come off as desperation.” The Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” premieres in March. Her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is also expected to launch sometime this year.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex previously called Frogmore Cottage in the U.K. home. (Getty Images)
“Neighbors have a hard time processing why someone would turn their back on tiaras in pursuit of Tupperware,” she said. “Selling pots and pans with an American Riviera Orchard logo on it just does not compete with state visits with world leaders.”
The Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” will now premiere on March 4. (Netflix)
Schofield’s comments came shortly after a scathing Vanity Fair report said that Meghan and Harry are called “local villains” by neighbors.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment about the lengthy feature.
“Neighbors have a hard time processing why someone would turn their back on tiaras in pursuit of Tupperware. Selling pots and pans with an American Riviera Orchard logo on it just does not compete with state visits with world leaders.”
Meghan Markle’s Netflix series was filmed near her home in Montecito. (Netflix)
One Montecito resident, who has never met the couple but spoke to the outlet, referred to the duo as the prince and “the starlet.” Meghan, 43, a former American actress, became the Duchess of Sussex when she married the British prince, 40, in 2018.
Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex when she married Britain’s Prince Harry in 2020. They share two young children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They are being raised in Montecito. (ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Locals of the Santa Barbara area attributed many new annoyances to the pair, including increased housing prices and busy streets taken over by “out-of-towners.”
“According to several Montecito residents, Harry and Meghan bring negative, unwanted drama to their beautiful area,” British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital.
WATCH: MEGHAN MARKLE WILL NEVER WIN OVER UK PUBLIC AGAIN, AUTHOR CLAIMS
“This noise is seeping into their once-quiet neighborly area,” Chard claimed. “Montecito, once a hidden jewel, is now on a pedestal due to the Meghan and Harry celebrity association. The unwelcomed attention has also highlighted other high-profile Hollywood Montecito residents and draws crowds of voyeurs to the area. They fill the restaurants, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood stars.”
Meghan Markle, a former American actress who starred in the legal drama “Suits,” was born and raised in California. (Steve Wilkie/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Schofield said that despite worldwide interest surrounding Montecito, thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex calling it home, the couple is rarely seen by locals or curious visitors.
Meghan Markle is seen at an event for Netflix on Nov. 15, 2023, in Montecito, Calif. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix)
“I have combed the society papers and magazines in Montecito to see if Harry and Meghan are photographed at local charity galas or mentioned for community contributions,” said Schofield. “They simply are not. They are considered introverts. Friendly, but not open and engaging.”
The gate of the estate where Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle live in Montecito. (VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
Chard agreed with Schofield’s sentiments.
“It has been cited that Meghan and Harry keep to themselves at home and sadly do not contribute to the community,” she said.
A source also told the outlet that Harry reportedly doesn’t have a social life.
“[Meghan] was upfront about the fact that Harry hadn’t made many friends yet,” the source, who previously interacted with the duchess professionally, told Vanity Fair.
Schofield claimed it’s gotten harder for the couple to win over local fans.
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The home of talk show host Oprah Winfrey as seen from the air on June 22, 2001, in Montecito, Calif. It has been reported that Winfrey purchased the 42-acre estate for an estimated $50 million dollars. (Jason Kirk/Getty Images)
“There’s no doubt that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put Montecito on the map,” she shared. “Yes, Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry live there, but their presence is quiet. Paparazzi typically do not drive 200 miles round trip to take their photos.
“Montecito now gets daily mentions thanks to Harry and Meghan’s presence. Harry has also spoken about Orlando Bloom calling to warn him about photographers hiding down the street. It has changed the environment.”
Many celebrities have called Montecito home over the years. In this 1991 photo, Jane Seymour is seen lounging at her Santa Barbara estate in Montecito, Calif. (Paul Harris/Getty Images)
Montecito has been home to a handful of celebrities, including Natalie Portman, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adam Levine, Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael Keaton. However, the neighborhood has seen much more tourist traffic since Meghan and Harry’s arrival in 2020, anonymous residents told the outlet.
Royal experts agreed that Montecito has become a household name after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose the city as their home. (DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty Images)
American Riviera Orchard, Meghan’s latest business endeavor, is also located in Montecito. According to the outlet, a book published by the Southern Pacific Company rail lines in 1898 states, “Montecito is known as the American Riviera.” However, that honor reportedly now belongs to Santa Barbara specifically.
According to the Vanity Fair report, Prince Harry hasn’t made many new friends in the area. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“It’s such a kind of hucksterism,” a resident told Vanity Fair. “It’s just finding every way she can to monetize something.”
“I still think they’re the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet,” the resident added about the couple. “They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press, and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States.”
Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is reportedly launching this year. Several of her celebrity pals have given viewers a sneak peek of what to expect on social media. (AP)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been estranged from the royal family since they stepped back as senior members. The couple said the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British press were what prompted them to make their exit.
Since then, they’ve made headlines for airing their grievances.
After detailing their struggles with royal life to Winfrey in a televised interview viewed by nearly 50 million people globally, they unveiled their controversial Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” in late 2022. Then, in early 2023, Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” was published.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were famously interviewed by fellow Montecito resident Oprah Winfrey in 2021. (Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images)
Each launch highlighted new allegations about their time as working royals.
“When it comes to claims they are ‘local villains,’ it depends on who you speak to,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. “They’ve put Montecito on the map internationally because they moved there after stepping down from being senior working royals. It’s true they hated the press they got in the U.K. and had mostly good press in the U.S.”
“That good press, however, is changing as we’ve seen with Vanity Fair, The Cut and The Hollywood Reporter, which have run critical pieces,” Fitzwilliams noted.
Prince Harry is seen out for a walk with his dog in Montecito, Calif. (MEGA/GC Images)
Chard believes that if the couple’s foundation, Archewell, “became a powerhouse contributor in the charity space,” they might finally get the seal of approval from their no-nonsense neighbors.
PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON PRIORITIZE ‘DUTY’ AS MEGHAN MARKLE FOCUSES ON HOLLYWOOD IMAGE: EXPERT
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s nonprofit Archewell Foundation aims to “show up, do good.” (Matt Dunham – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“It could change public perception,” she said. “I think one issue people have with Harry and Meghan is this idea that they are monetizing their relationship with the British royal family while disrespecting them. They constantly tell us how good they are, but so far, they have contributed more hurt than help. Archewell needs to be the star. Archewell needs to step up.”
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner has a different view. He believes the couple have been unfairly judged after fleeing their life in the UK.
That scrutiny, he noted, won’t end anytime soon.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast, described the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as “introverts” in the ritzy town. (Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)
“It is said that Harry and Meghan are living the dream existence,” he explained. “In my view, it’s quite the opposite. They are in a perpetual nightmare, wondering which sling or arrow will be plunged into their family heart next.”
“In Montecito, the residents complain that they do nothing for the community,” he shared. “In reality, the couple live in a bunker world, constantly worrying who to trust and what might be said about them.”
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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West
Tarot influencer’s claims in Idaho college murders case spark courtroom reckoning
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A federal jury in Boise awarded $10 million to a University of Idaho professor after finding a Texas TikToker financially liable for spreading false claims that linked her to the 2022 stabbing deaths of four college students.
The decision came Friday in U.S. District Court in the case of Scofield v. Guillard. Jurors awarded $7.5 million in punitive damages and $2.5 million in compensatory damages, according to court records and reporting by the Idaho Statesman.
Professor Rebecca Scofield, who chairs the university’s history department, filed suit in December 2022 against Houston resident Ashley Guillard. The lawsuit stemmed from a series of TikTok videos in which Guillard alleged, without evidence, that Scofield had a romantic relationship with one of the victims and arranged the killings.
The victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, were stabbed to death in a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. The crime drew nationwide attention and left the campus community reeling.
Ashley Guillard posted TikTok videos falsely linking a University of Idaho professor to the Idaho college murders, leading to a defamation lawsuit. (TikTok/ashleyisinthebookoflife4)
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Authorities later arrested Bryan Kohberger, a criminology doctoral student at nearby Washington State University at the time. He ultimately pleaded guilty in a deal that spared him the death penalty and is now serving four consecutive life sentences in an Idaho state prison.
In a statement to Fox News Digital following the verdict, Scofield expressed gratitude to the jury and said she hopes to close a painful chapter.
“I want to thank the jury for their time and attention to this case. The judge had already ruled as a matter of law that the statements were false. The $10 million verdict reinforces the judge’s decision and sends the clear message that false statements online have consequences in the real world for real people and are unacceptable in our community,” Scofield said.
BRYAN KOHBERGER FIGHTS $27K RESTITUTION FOR VICTIMS’ FAMILIES WHILE TAKING MONEY BEHIND BARS
University of Idaho students from left to right: Ethan Chapin, 20; Xana Kernodle, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21. All four were stabbed to death in an off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. (Jazzmin Kernodle via AP/Instagram/ @kayleegoncalves)
“The murders of the four students on November 13, 2022, was the darkest chapter in our university’s history. Today’s decision shows that respect and care should always be granted to victims during these tragedies. I am hopeful that this difficult chapter in my life is over, and I can return to a more normal life with my family and the wonderful Moscow community.”
Court filings show that in June 2024, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco determined that Guillard’s statements were legally defamatory, leaving only the question of monetary damages for a jury to decide.
According to the complaint, Guillard began posting videos in late November 2022 claiming Scofield had secretly been involved with one of the students and had “ordered” the killings. The lawsuit states Scofield had never met any of the victims and was out of state when the murders occurred.
IDAHO MURDER VICTIMS’ FAMILIES EXPRESS OUTRAGE AFTER CRIME SCENE PHOTOS ACCIDENTALLY RELEASED
People lay flowers and pay respects at the University of Idaho on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Four students were murdered in Moscow, Idaho over the weekend. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
The filing further alleges that Guillard continued publishing the accusations even after receiving cease-and-desist letters and after police publicly indicated Scofield was not connected to the crime.
At the time, Guillard’s TikTok account had garnered more than 100,000 followers, with some of the videos receiving millions of interactions, according to court documents.
Scofield’s legal team argued the statements amounted to defamation because they accused her of criminal conduct and professional misconduct that could jeopardize her academic career.
During the damages trial, Scofield described the emotional toll of seeing her name associated with the murders online, according to the Idaho Statesman. Jurors deliberated for less than two hours before returning their verdict, the outlet reported.
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Guillard, who represented herself in court, has maintained that her statements were expressions of belief tied to tarot card readings, according to courtroom coverage.
It was not immediately known whether she intends to appeal. Fox News Digital has reached out to Guillard for comment.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
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San Francisco, CA
5 teens, 3 adults arrested in San Francisco double stabbing at Dolores Park
Three adults and five juveniles were arrested after two people were stabbed on Wednesday at San Francisco’s Dolores Park, police said.
The San Francisco Police Department said officers responded at about 4:50 p.m. to a report of a group of people fighting at the park. On the way there, the officers were notified that there was a possible stabbing, police said.
When officers arrived, they found two men with stab wounds, and the officers began first aid before medics arrived. Both men were taken to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries, police said.
Officers searched the area around the park and detained eight people; they were all arrested after investigators developed probable cause, police said. The adults were identified as 18-year-old Fernando Moreno Hernandez, 18-year-old David Paz, and 19-year-old Yeferson Mondragon-Ortiz. Each was booked into the San Francisco County Jail.
The five teenagers were taken and booked into the city’s Juvenile Justice Center.
All suspects were charged with attempted murder, conspiracy, assault likely to produce great bodily injury, and assault with a deadly weapon.
Police said the case was still under active investigation, and anyone with information was asked to contact the department at 415-575-4444, or send a text to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.
Denver, CO
Ranking the Broncos free agent needs on offense
I figured now would be a good time to do a little discussion around the Denver Broncos and where we think their top priorities should be on offense when free agency kicks off.
Broncos top FA needs on offense
Tim Lynch: For free agency, I’d say running back and tight end are the highest on my wish list.
I’d say pay big for a top free agent running back and ensure you have a monster two-headed backfield next season. They need a superior run-blocking tight end and, if they move on from Evan Engram, a pass-catcher too.
Christopher Hart: I agree with Tim. Those are the biggest needs for the offense. Getting a top-notch running back and a tight end capable of playing inline to replace Adam Trautman is a must. The two players I advocated a few weeks ago were running back Travis Etienne and tight end Cade Otton. Both would be fantastic additions and help take Denver’s offense to the next level in 2026.
Scotty Payne: Playmaker is the top and biggest need. That includes a RB, TE, and/or WR in that order.
Need to improve the run game regardless, need some sort of production out of the TEs as well as improved blocking, and if they can get a true WR1, that would be great too.
Ross Allen: I think we’re all in agreement.
Getting someone who can be the dominant running back and have RJ Harvey serve that glamorous “joker” role would be huge for this offense. And given that they also don’t have a legitimate playmaker at the receiving position hurts them. A TE or WR can fill that role.
Sadaraine: The #1 need for the Broncos on offense is a top-notch running back. I will be blown away if the Broncos don’t sign a top-tier free agent running back to upgrade the offense (and no, J.K. Dobbins wouldn’t be that guy…not with his injury history).
There’s a significant gap in need after that until we start talking about tight ends and receivers. I think we’re more likely to see more money spent on a tight end than a receiver, but this offense could use both to be sure.
Ian St. Clair: Not to beat a dead horse, but running back is the biggest need and priority for this team when free agency starts. Having a consistent and effective running game will make Nix and the offense exponentially better. It will make the team better. After running back, the Broncos need to figure out their tight end.
Adam Malnati: Give Bo a weapon. I don’t care which position. Yes, RB is a need. Yes, TE is a need (thanks a lot Evan Engram). Still, a weapon would be nice.
Predictably, we’re all heavily keyed in on running back and tight end. That was a big part of our free agent profile coverage too and for good reason. There have been many rumors around Denver looking to target both positions next week and where there is smoke there is usually fire.
The question really becomes: go big or go affordable? With the championship window open, I’m leaning go big on premium play-maker positions this offseason.
Where do you stand on this discussion? Give us your top free agent needs on offense and how you hope the Broncos address them next week.
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