Meghan Markle found herself in an unexpected situation when her attempt at a hug was rebuffed by Erin Haynes, the host of the SXSW stage.
Despite her empowering speech earlier in the festival, where she addressed past experiences of bullying, Meghan encountered an awkward moment during the opening keynote speech event. Prince Harry, seated in the front row, witnessed the incident as Meghan shared her insights on overcoming barriers for women on and off the screen.
Before diving into the empowering discussion, Meghan seemingly extended a gesture of warmth towards the moderator, Erin Haynes, by going in for a hug. However, the embrace was denied, highlighting a mismatch in expectations of personal space. The panel, titled "Breaking Barriers: Shaping Narratives – How Women Lead On and Off the Screen," featured Meghan alongside journalist Katie Couric, actress Brooke Shields, and diversity consultant Nancy Wang Yuan.
Critics on social media were quick to point out the irony of Meghan's denied hug, especially following her speech on online bullying. Some remarked on Meghan's perceived misunderstanding of social cues, comparing her demeanor to that of an 8-year-old. Erin Haynes' response to the attempted hug was interpreted as a deliberate move to maintain boundaries rather than an act of warmth or camaraderie. One observer noted that Meghan's assumption of familiarity may stem from a belief in her own status, rather than genuine connection.
The incident sparked varied reactions online, with some praising Meghan's recovery from the awkward moment, while others suggested she should be more mindful of personal boundaries. The applause for Meghan during the event was notably subdued compared to the enthusiastic reception for other speakers, indicating a possible disconnect between Meghan's perceived warmth and the audience's response. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries, particularly in a time when such considerations are heightened.
