Prince Harry and Meghan drew controversy when they were seen posing in front of a mural mocking the late Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to La Barbecue, a Texas barbecue joint.
The mural featured Rockstar Freddie Mercury dressed as the Queen and was situated next to a gender-neutral toilet. This move by the couple, seen as disrespectful by many, stirred up further debate when it was revealed that Meghan had hired the owner of La Barbecue for a photo op. Moreover, allegations of insurance fraud against the restaurant's owners added fuel to the fire.
Despite the controversy, Harry and Meghan seemed in high spirits during their visit to La Barbecue. They warmly embraced co-owner Alice and were greeted with smiles as they mingled with the staff. However, some critics pointed out that such visits, especially ones involving personal interaction with owners, could be seen as attempts to garner attention rather than genuine dining experiences.
The couple's visit to Austin coincided with Meghan's participation in the SXSW conference, where she was part of a panel alongside prominent figures like Brook Shields, Katie Couric, and sociologist Nancy Wang Yuan. Prince Harry, meanwhile, attended as an audience member, supporting Meghan and the other panelists. The panel, titled "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen," was part of the International Women's Day celebrations.
The encounter with the controversial mural didn't seem to dampen the couple's spirits, as they enjoyed barbecue dishes like brisket and sausages during their visit. Owner Allison Clem joked with Harry about the mural, lightening the mood despite the criticism surrounding it. However, behind the scenes, the owners of La Barbecue were facing serious legal issues, as they were indicted on fraud charges related to a 2016 insurance claim.
The indictment alleged that the owners, Lean Müller and Allison Clem, had orchestrated a workers' compensation fraud scheme, resulting in a substantial payout. This revelation added another layer to the controversy surrounding Harry and Meghan's visit, raising questions about their associations and the ethical implications of such engagements.
Despite the PR efforts to maintain a positive image, criticisms continued to surface, with some accusing the couple of engaging in a "vile grift" to stay in the public eye. The scrutiny intensified as questions arose about the authenticity of their interactions and the motivations behind their actions.
