People Magazine, often seen as the mouthpiece for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, reported that the Nigerian First Lady, Aisha Buhari, did not criticize Meghan Markle in a recent speech.
During an event marking the first year of her husband Bola Ahmed Tinubu's presidency, First Lady Aisha Buhari made a speech that highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian youth. Her comments, particularly about cultural values and youth behavior, attracted significant attention. In her speech, she stated, "We're not having the Met Gala; we don't accept nak---ess in our culture. It's not beautiful at all. They are mimicking and trying to emulate film stars from America without knowing their roots."
Some interpreted her remarks as a critique of Meghan Markle, especially since Meghan had recently visited Nigeria. The First Lady's comment, "Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That's something we have to take home with us. We know who we are and should not lose our identity," added to the speculation.
Meghan Markle was reportedly surprised by the backlash. To address the misunderstanding, Meghan’s team decided against direct communication with the First Lady. Instead, they opted to clarify the issue through media channels. Advisers suggested obtaining a clarification rather than an apology from the First Lady, thereby maintaining Meghan's public image and deflecting blame.
Subsequently, AFP Fact Check released an article stating that the Nigerian First Lady's comments were not directed at Meghan Markle. The article clarified that the remarks were aimed at young Nigerian women, not Meghan. Both the First Lady's office and Arise News, which broadcasted the speech, denied any criticism of Meghan's attire, asserting that her comments were taken out of context and that she appreciated Meghan's visit.
Despite the clarifications, some observers believe the First Lady's comments were indeed a subtle critique of Meghan Markle, suggesting that the clarifications were made under pressure. Critics argue that fact-checking in political contexts often involves spinning the truth, and this incident is seen as another example of narrative manipulation to protect Meghan's image.
People Magazine, known for its favorable coverage of the Sussexes, has been accused of attempting to reshape the narrative in Meghan's favor. The magazine's extensive coverage of Meghan and Harry’s tour, including front-page stories and behind-the-scenes articles, reinforces the perception that it often publishes content dictated by the Sussexes' team.
In conclusion, while official statements and fact-checks have clarified that the Nigerian First Lady’s comments were not aimed at Meghan Markle, public opinion remains divided. Some view the incident as a misunderstanding, while others believe it was a thinly-veiled critique of Meghan, further complicating her already scrutinized public image.
