Meghan Markle is set to make her way to Austin, Texas later this week to participate in the SXSW conference.
Among her engagements, she will feature on a panel titled "Breaking Barriers: Shaping Narratives - How Women Lead On and Off the Screen." SXSW, short for South by Southwest, traces its roots back to 1987 as a music festival but has since evolved to encompass TV and film. Alongside TV presenter Katie Couric and actress Brooke Shields, Meghan will join the panel, which will be moderated by Erin Haynes from the "Amendment" podcast.
This panel discussion is scheduled for Friday, March 8th, coinciding with International Women's Day. The SXSW conference serves as a gathering place for digital creatives, fostering connections among those passionate about forward-focused experiences.
In a press release issued today, Meghan is prominently featured, described as a feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity. Katie Couric, an Emmy award-winning journalist, and Brooke Shields, a two-time Golden Globe award-nominated actress, follow her lead.
It's reported that Archewell, the organization founded by Meghan and Harry, is covering Meghan's expenses for this appearance, indicating that charity funds are being utilized for her flights and wardrobe. This provides clarity on how she secured her participation, hinting that it wasn't based solely on merit.
However, conflicting views arise regarding Meghan's self-proclaimed feminist stance. Royal expert Angela Levin asserts that Meghan's actions speak louder than her claims, suggesting that her marriage to Prince Harry and her subsequent earnings through criticism of the royal family contradict her feminist label. On their website, sus.com, Meghan and Harry present themselves as champions of feminism and human rights, yet these claims face swift criticism from various quarters.
Journalist Megyn Kelly and columnist Maureen Callahan, among others, argue that Meghan's actions don't align with feminist principles. Kelly points out Meghan's treatment of staff and alleged tantrums, questioning whether such behavior is empowering to women. Similarly, Callahan criticizes Meghan's portrayal of the Queen in a Netflix special, suggesting it lacks reverence and instead exudes contempt.
Support for Kelly's critique surfaces on social media, with users expressing skepticism about Meghan's feminist credentials. Some argue that Meghan's actions reveal deeper motives driven by jealousy and resentment rather than genuine advocacy for women's rights. Others take a broader stance, equating feminism with misandry disguised as equality. Despite Meghan's self-professed feminist stance, her actions continue to spark debate and scrutiny, with critics questioning the sincerity of her advocacy.
