Meghan Markle has been accused of appropriating part of her identity narrative, specifically her claimed 43% Nigerian heritage, from author Georgina Lawson.
Lawson published a memoir in 2020 where she explored her identity and revealed, based on a DNA test, that she is 43% Nigerian. The similarity between Meghan’s and Lawson’s claims is striking and raises questions.
Georgina Lawson is a British journalist and the author of the remarkable autobiography "Raceless." Her story is complex; despite being biracial, both of her parents were white. This made her distinctly Black features and hair even more intriguing. Raised in a predominantly white environment, Georgina's life took a dramatic turn when she discovered her mother's secret affair. This revelation strained their relationship, especially after her father's death in 2014. Georgina's quest to uncover her Black ancestry led her to DNA testing, which astonishingly revealed she was 43% Nigerian and the rest Irish.
The parallels between Meghan Markle's assertion of being 43% Nigerian and Georgina's narrative are hard to ignore. Lawson’s book was released in February 2021, and Meghan mentioned her Nigerian heritage in an Oprah interview in March 2021. Could Meghan, an avid reader, have been influenced by the buzz surrounding "Raceless"? Adding to the intrigue, Meghan did not disclose her ancestry during the Oprah interview, instead revealing it two years later on a podcast. Why did she remain silent during such a significant platform, especially when she was actively supporting the Black community?
Meghan Markle's credibility has been questioned due to these uncanny similarities. The media should have investigated the authenticity of Meghan's claims more rigorously, given how closely they match Lawson’s story.
Meghan Markle’s ancestry claims have indeed caused confusion. She stated she was 43% Nigerian and spoke about her visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry. However, some netizens were skeptical, noting that she made similar claims about having Maltese heritage when visiting Malta in 2015. This inconsistency led to doubts about her ancestral narrative.
Comments on social media reflect this skepticism. One user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the evidence behind Meghan’s Nigerian heritage, referencing her earlier claim of being Maltese. Another user compared Meghan's fluctuating heritage claims to Joe Biden's assertion of being Irish while Meghan oscillates between being Maltese and Nigerian, highlighting the fluid nature of racial and ethnic identity in contemporary America.
During their visit to Nigeria, Harry and Meghan were warmly received. The locals humorously proclaimed Meghan to be a "warrior princess," and Harry referred to corrupt officials as his "in-laws." Their visit was organized by a man wanted in the US for money laundering, and the couple has yet to address this controversial connection.
Overall, the debate surrounding Meghan Markle's heritage claims reflects broader issues of identity and authenticity, raising important questions about the narratives public figures present and the scrutiny they face.
