Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, ever committed to their grandiose approach to philanthropy, have once again embarked on a new mission to "save the world."
This time, they are showcasing their purported commitment to social causes through their latest venture, the Rwall Foundation. Their motto, "Show up, do good," suggests an earnest effort to make a difference, yet many critics view this as yet another instance of the Sussexes offering superficial platitudes.
Amidst Meghan's whirlwind of self-promotion—launching her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and socializing with celebrities like GTH Palro in the Hamptons—she has decided to initiate another noble cause. Enter the Parents Network, a support group aimed at helping parents whose children have been victims of online bullying. This initiative has been met with a mixture of anticipation and skepticism.
In a highly awaited interview on CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley, Meghan and Harry spoke alongside grieving parents whose children had tragically ended their lives due to online harassment. While the interview was intended to spotlight the epidemic of online bullying, it quickly devolved into yet another saga centered around Meghan.
As the interview began, Meghan took a dramatic approach, resting her hands on Harry's leg as if preparing for a theatrical performance. Jane Pauley, a seasoned journalist, delved into the subject by referencing Meghan's past revelations of suicidal thoughts shared during a 2021 Oprah interview. Clearly unprepared for this line of questioning, Meghan adopted a tragic heroine's demeanor. Pauley's question was direct: "You suffered too, personally contemplating killing yourself is what suicidal ideation is. I can see you're uncomfortable with my even going there." Meghan, ever eager to seize the spotlight, responded, "I wasn't expecting it. I understand why you are though. There's a through line. I'd never want someone else to feel that way. If me voicing what I’ve overcome will save someone, I'll take a hit for that." This attempt to pivot the conversation back to her personal struggles was transparently self-serving, prompting collective eye rolls from viewers.
Watching the interview on mute, Jane Pauley's facial expressions betrayed her skepticism. She seemed unconvinced by Meghan's narrative, leaving viewers to question the sincerity of her responses. Pauley had to tread carefully due to the interview's constraints: no questions about the Sussex Squad's alleged bullying of Princess Catherine and no challenging Meghan's storyline. Any journalist with a shred of integrity would have refused to accept such limitations, yet here we are, witnessing a poorly executed exercise in futility.
Throughout the interview, Pauley's annoyance was palpable. Her voiceover, laced with sarcasm, described Harry and Meghan as "truly huggers," a stark contrast to the warm and engaged demeanor typically expected during charity segments. This was Pauley in her no-nonsense mode, dealing with subjects she suspected of disingenuous motives. When Pauley broached the topic of Meghan's suicidal thoughts during her time in the British Royal Family, Meghan was caught off guard and her response—a typical jumble of words—failed to address the seriousness of the issue. Instead, it provided yet another platform for her to play the victim.
The entire interview left a bitter taste, as Meghan and Harry's attempts to present themselves as benevolent figures fell flat, overshadowed by their evident self-interest. The tragic stories of the grieving parents seemed to be reduced to mere backdrops for Meghan's latest act. CBS might reconsider future engagements with the Sussexes after this spectacle, as this interview, like many of their public appearances, appeared more focused on keeping Meghan and Harry in the limelight than on addressing the core issue. The world is seeing through the facade, and the credibility of their so-called humanitarian efforts continues to erode. As they exhaust their repertoire of narratives, it's clear that the Sussexes' star is fading, and not a moment too soon.
