Trump denies calling Meghan Markle ‘nasty’ despite interview recording

President Trump is slamming reports that he called Duchess Meghan “nasty” ahead of his visit to the U.K. as “fake news,” despite an audio recording of the exchange.

“I never called Meghan Markle ‘nasty,’ “ Trump tweeted Sunday morning. ”Made up by the Fake News Media, and they got caught cold!”

He’s referring to an interview Friday with Britain’s The Sun, in which reporters asked Trump’s thoughts on the former American actress, who “wasn’t so nice” to him during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

“I didn’t know that. What can I say? I didn’t know that she was nasty,” Trump said.

Trump claims the quote was manufactured by the “Fake News Media,” even though his remark can be heard during a recording of the interview released by The Sun.

“Will @CNN, @nytimes and others apologize? Doubt it!” Trump continued.

During the presidential campaign, Markle called Trump “misogynistic” and “divisive.” The Los Angeles native pledged to vote for Hillary Clinton because ”Trump has made it easy to see that you don’t really want that kind of world” and even threatened to move to Canada if he won.

The two Americans aren’t expected to exchange pleasantries during Trump’s visit to the U.K. this coming week because Meghan is currently on maternity leave with almost-1-month-old son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

The president seemed surprised when told he wouldn’t be rubbing elbows with Meghan. “I didn’t know that,” he said. ”I hope she is OK.”

Despite their differences, Trump predicted Meghan will make “a very good” royal, adding that he was “sure she will do excellently.”

He and first lady Melania Trump will meet with other royals including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William and Duchess Kate.

Read more at usatoday.com.