Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently embarked on their tour of Nigeria, which concluded with a slew of rumors and controversies.
Notably, Meghan did not meet the President of Nigeria, who appeared disinterested. Instead, the invitation came from the Chief of Defense Staff, aimed at boosting his image. Meghan and Harry accepted the invitation as it covered their expenses and security costs, and provided extra footage for their Netflix projects, potentially unlocking more funds.
According to Celebrity Diary Channel, Meghan's visit sparked significant controversy, reportedly resulting in a ban from Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari. The purpose of Meghan's visit was initially to support the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sporting event for wounded servicemen, women, and veterans, founded by Prince Harry in 2014.
The Invictus Games are recognized for showcasing the resilience and determination of individuals who have overcome adversity. Meghan, a prominent member of the British royal family, has ardently supported the games and championed the cause of veterans and wounded servicemen. Her dedication made it unsurprising that she would want to visit Nigeria, a country with a rich military history, to participate in the Invictus Games held there.
However, the visit took a negative turn when reports emerged of an incident involving Meghan and a Nigerian teacher. Eyewitnesses alleged that Meghan forced the teacher to curtsy in her presence, violating cultural protocol and deeply offending the Nigerian people. President Buhari promptly addressed the matter, announcing a ban on Meghan entering Nigeria and emphasizing the importance of respect and cultural sensitivity. Nigerians are known for their respect and understanding of their culture, and Meghan's behavior caused deep offense.
Additionally, Meghan faced intense backlash after a clip surfaced online showing her seemingly ignoring a woman of color during her trip to Nigeria. The video, taken during their visit to Lightwear Academy in Abuja, showed Meghan turning her back on the woman and a female student who appeared to be offering something. This encounter was shared widely on social media, with users criticizing Meghan for her perceived rudeness. Comments ranged from calling her behavior rude to questioning her commitment to supporting women of color.
A commentator remarked, "She’s so rude. The woman was still talking to her, and she turned her back." Another added, "She snubbed both ladies; it’s offensive." A third user pointed out, "That sweet child presenting something to them on a tray was completely ignored. It’s just nasty."
Despite the Celebrity Diary Channel's claims of a ban, there is no mention of such a ban elsewhere on the internet, casting doubt on the veracity of these reports. Nevertheless, the controversies surrounding Meghan's visit to Nigeria have sparked significant media attention and public scrutiny, raising questions about cultural sensitivity and respect in international engagements.