Meghan Markle's upcoming high-profile keynote at the 2024 South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas, alongside media figures like Katie Couric and Brooke Shields, has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Critics online are branding her as a "grifter," accusing her of offering nothing but empty rhetoric. The conference organizers announced a Women's Day panel titled "Breaking Barriers: Challenging Stereotypes, Working Towards a Healthier Society," featuring Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Couric, Shields, Nancy Yuan, and Aaron Haynes.
However, the comment section quickly filled with scathing remarks directed at Markle's inclusion. "Why Meghan? She contributes nothing but empty words," lamented one commentator, while another sneered, "It's a pass for me." Some took personal shots, with one questioning, "Will she discuss her narcissism?" and another expressing disgust with emojis.
Furthermore, Markle faced backlash from Couric's fans after bios of the panelists were released. While others had concise bios, Markle's was lengthy, detailing everything from her grade school to her podcasting success and New York Times bestselling author status. Critics ridiculed her, with one remarking, "It's embarrassing and desperate.
Markle's overcompensating, knowing she's underqualified compared to the accomplished professionals on the panel." Another criticized her for listing every achievement, no matter how small, including claiming credit for the Hubb Kitchen cookbook. Shields and Couric, on the other hand, are celebrated for their decades-long careers and philanthropic endeavors.
Shields and Couric, both with careers spanning over 40 years, have faced and conquered numerous obstacles as women in their fields. Couric is renowned for her advocacy in colon cancer prevention, while Shields has drawn attention to postpartum depression. Their extensive accomplishments include authoring books, contrasting sharply with Markle's perceived lack of substantial achievements.
Critics mock Markle for what they perceive as an inflated resume, accusing her of playing the role of a "hot girl" in TV shows, marrying into royalty, and attempting to infiltrate elite circles. They argue that her need to list every detail of her life stems from insecurity, contrasting sharply with the confidence exhibited by other panelists.
In comparison to Shields and Couric, Markle's career seems paltry, leading to what critics call "biographical word salad." They suggest that her need to overcompensate highlights her insecurities. Among the panelists, Markle likely harbors the most animosity toward Shields, a supermodel and actress who has enjoyed enduring fame since the 1970s. Shields's immense success and longevity in the industry serve as a stark contrast to Markle's relatively brief stint in the public eye.
