Meghan Markle found herself amidst a storm of controversy following the announcement of her participation as a keynote speaker alongside renowned feminist figures like journalist Katie Kurick and actress Brook Shields at the American Festival South by Southwest.
The festival made the revelation via Instagram, heralding their final keynote session for the 2024 SXSW conference to be held on March 8th, International Women's Day. The lineup boasted an array of influential women including Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Katy Kurick, Brook Shields, Nancy Wang Yuan, and Aon Haynes, set to engage in a dialogue on breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a healthier society, both on and off our screens.
However, the excitement surrounding Meghan's involvement quickly turned sour as critics took to social media platforms to express their disapproval. Many questioned the depth of Meghan's contributions, branding them as mere "empty words" and challenging her suitability for such a significant discourse.
One disillusioned commenter remarked, "I'm disappointed that Meghan Markle was included; there are other female trailblazers better suited to speak on this topic." Another voiced skepticism, stating, "Meghan contributes nothing but empty words," while a third bluntly labeled her a "grifter."
The backlash extended beyond mere skepticism to outright refusal, with reports surfacing that Brook Shields had initially declined to share the stage with Meghan. Allegedly taken aback upon learning of Meghan's inclusion, Shields expressed surprise and disapproval. Speculation mounted, particularly fueled by a YouTube video by HG Tuda, delving into the methods through which Meghan purportedly secured her speaking position.
It was suggested that she leveraged funds from Archwell, her foundation, to influence her participation. Notably absent from the festival's newly launched website was any mention of sponsorship or donation, creating the illusion that Meghan had been invited on merit when, in fact, she seemingly utilized external resources to secure her place.
Amidst the controversy, questions arose about Meghan's commitment to feminist causes. Critics contrasted her perceived lack of tangible contributions to women's issues with the longstanding advocacy efforts of figures like Katie Kurick, who had a track record of championing women's health and charitable causes.
Meghan's alleged animosity towards her sister-in-law, Princess Catherine, and stepmother-in-law, Queen Camilla, only added fuel to the fire. Reports of her strained relationships with members of the royal family, predating her marriage into royalty, painted a picture of discord rather than solidarity.
In the eyes of many, Meghan's actions fell short of the ideals of feminism. Despite her public declarations of support for gender equality, her alleged mistreatment of those she deemed beneath her, as well as reports of a toxic work environment within her inner circle, contradicted the principles she purported to uphold.
While some remained silent, possibly due to fear of reprisal from Meghan's supporters or binding NDAs from Buckingham Palace, others have spoken out, shedding light on their negative experiences with the Sussexes. It's evident that true feminism extends beyond rhetoric to encompass genuine respect and empowerment of all individuals, regardless of status or position.
