Meghan Markle sparked controversy by reportedly coercing 15 Afghan refugee women into signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for a photo shoot with her, adopting a seemingly disrespectful demeanor in the kitchen.
Markle, in her involvement with charity work, orchestrated a weekend event where she joined 15 women who had resettled in the US from Afghanistan to cook traditional Afghan cuisine. The initiative, termed the Welcome Project, was launched in 2023 under the Archewell Foundation, a venture established jointly by Markle and Prince Harry.
Supposedly aimed at fostering a safe and inclusive environment for recently resettled Afghan women, the project received attention when Markle, as per a press release by the Archewell Foundation, participated in an evening of cooking and storytelling with the Southern California Welcome Project.
Partnering with Mina's List, a foundation focused on women's empowerment, Markle facilitated the preparation of traditional Afghan dishes such as ashak and mantu, dumplings deeply rooted in Afghan culture.
However, amidst the seemingly philanthropic gesture, critics lambasted Markle's choice of attire—opting for a sleeveless outfit, deemed inappropriate given typical food service regulations. Furthermore, allegations surfaced that Markle's involvement in the Welcome Project was not an original initiative but rather a co-optation of existing nationwide efforts to support refugees in various locations across the US.
Critics further scrutinized Markle's motives, questioning the authenticity of her engagement with the refugee community. Accusations arose that Markle leveraged the photo shoot with the refugee women as a publicity stunt to bolster her humanitarian image, paying little heed to the genuine needs and concerns of the individuals involved. Moreover, Markle's alleged exclusion from the Super Bowl prompted speculation that the photo shoot was orchestrated as a means of salvaging her public persona.
Markle's purported penchant for appropriating existing initiatives without substantial contributions raised eyebrows, particularly concerning her focus on Afghanistan, a nation fraught with humanitarian challenges. Skepticism regarding Markle's motives intensified as parallels were drawn between her alleged exploitation of refugee communities and previous controversies surrounding her engagements with charitable organizations. Amidst the scrutiny, Markle's actions reignited debate over the authenticity of her philanthropic endeavors and her true intentions behind high-profile initiatives.
