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Prince Harry Confirms He Is Dating Nikki Bella as He Defends Her from Sexist Abuse

Prince Harry Confirms He Is Dating Nikki Bella as He Defends Her from Sexist Abuse

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It's official!

Prince Harry issued a rare statement Wednesday both confirming that he is dating wrestler Nikki Bella and slamming what he calls sexist abuse she has endured since her relationship with him was revealed.

In a groundbreaking plea to the media — and people around the world — the royal says he has been worried about Nikki's safety since she's been subjected to a "wave of abuse and harassment."

The statement, which was released by his communications secretary, begins: "Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads."

"He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. He has never been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it. He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about.

"But the past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Nikki Bella, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the outright sexism of social media trolls and web article comments. Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friends, co-workers, and loved ones in her life.

 Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to ga...

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