The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, encountered humiliation and frustration when she was snubbed and asked to leave by acclaimed actor and director, Jeffrey Wright, at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors.
The event, held at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on March 3rd, 2024, was meant to celebrate excellence in the arts. Wright was being honored with the Excellence in the Arts award for his significant contributions to cinema and television, including roles in renowned productions like "Westworld" and "American Rust."
Accompanied by her husband, Prince Harry, Markle had hoped to attend the event uninvited, eager to mingle with stars and filmmakers and promote their Netflix and Spotify projects, which focused on themes such as mental health, women's empowerment, and social justice. However, Wright was unimpressed by Markle's presence and reportedly asked her to leave, expressing his disdain for her and Harry's decision to depart from their royal duties and relocate to the United States.
Wright, a staunch supporter of American values, was further irked by Markle's criticisms of the US and her involvement in the 2020 presidential election, where she and Harry openly endorsed Joe Biden. He believed that Markle had no right to meddle in US politics and felt she should show respect to the country that had granted her fame and fortune.
Eyewitnesses recounted how Wright bluntly confronted Markle at the event, telling her she was unwelcome and should cease bothering him and others present. The encounter, captured on camera, quickly spread across social media, triggering a wave of controversy and backlash against Markle.
While many applauded Wright for his honesty and principles, Markle faced ridicule for her perceived desperation and entitlement. The incident not only tarnished her reputation but also alienated some of her supporters who felt let down by her inability to gracefully accept rejection and criticism.
Markle's aspirations to promote her causes and network within the entertainment industry were overshadowed by the confrontation, highlighting the challenges she faced in navigating her post-royal life amidst public scrutiny and criticism.
