In the latest episode of As the Sussexes Turn, Meghan Markle has chosen to unveil her deepest and darkest struggles to the public.
In a recent interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley, Meghan once again finds herself at the center of attention, disclosing her past battles with suicidal thoughts. This revelation is accompanied by a notable touch of dramatic flair, coinciding with the launch of a new venture. It seems that Meghan’s personal crisis now intersects with entrepreneurial endeavors, as if to suggest that a personal struggle is best served with a side of self-promotion.
During the interview, Meghan made a striking confession about her experiences with pain and trauma, positioning herself as a champion for others who might be enduring similar hardships. She stated, "I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans and I’d never want someone else not to be believed." While this sentiment is undoubtedly heartfelt, it also appears that Meghan's brand of empathy is wrapped in a layer of self-promotion. It almost feels as if she is competing for an award in the category of self-righteousness.
Prince Harry joined Meghan in the interview, offering his usual display of earnest concern. He emphasized that parents should be the first to recognize signs of suicidal ideation, a statement he deemed as truly crucial. Harry even suggested that it is alarming how many parents are oblivious to these signs, hinting that it might require a degree in psychology to be a competent parent. Adding to this, Meghan and Harry have unveiled a new initiative called "Parents Network," designed to assist parents in managing online bullying. The timing of this launch, following Meghan's dramatic revelations, seems almost too convenient. It’s as though the Sussexes are trying to shift focus from their ongoing public relations issues by introducing a new, feel-good project.
The reaction to their CBS interview has been nothing short of a spectacle. CBS Sunday Morning's latest segment featuring Harry and Meghan has garnered over 100,000 views on YouTube. However, the network's attempts to manage the interview’s reception have been less than seamless. In a predictable move, CBS has been removing dislikes from the video. As of 7:30 CST, the dislike count had surged to nearly 14,000, while the likes barely exceeded 2,100. Despite efforts to sanitize the feedback, the dislike-to-like ratio suggests a clear dissatisfaction among viewers. In comparison, an interview with Nancy Pelosi released around the same time has already surpassed 314,000 views. This stark contrast indicates that the Sussexes’ recent endeavor might be a calculated effort to shift the narrative. Their apparent goal seems to be ensuring that anyone searching for "Harry and Meghan bullying" would encounter their new initiative rather than the persistent allegations of staff mistreatment.
Critics have labeled this latest project as a textbook case of "grief grifting," accusing Meghan and Harry of exploiting sensitive topics to divert attention from their controversies and repair their public image. The growing backlash, evidenced by the increasing number of dislikes and harsh comments on their video, signals widespread skepticism about their motivations. Meghan, in particular, faces criticism for what many perceive as the exploitation of tragedy for personal gain. The public’s reaction underscores a broader discontent with the Sussexes' attempts at reinvention. Their focus on addressing online bullying, while their own supporters have been known for online harassment and privacy invasions, exemplifies a troubling case of "do as I say, not as I do." This disconnect has led many to view their latest initiative with a measure of skepticism and disdain.