Jeff Goldblum, the internet’s favorite quirky uncle, has once again solidified his title as the king of dry humor.
This time, it was during a live segment on The Today Show, where, in a casual yet memorable moment, Goldblum turned to journalist Maggie Vespa and remarked that she resembled “a younger, more beautiful version of Meghan Markle.” What followed was nothing short of a masterclass in subtle shade, leaving viewers in fits of laughter and perhaps even Meghan herself raising an eyebrow—or clutching her pearls.
Naturally, Vespa took to Instagram to share her reaction, possibly amused or perplexed by the odd comparison. However, the internet, true to form, wasted no time dissecting the comment with glee, savoring every potential layer of unintended—or intended—insult.
By calling someone a “younger, more beautiful Meghan Markle,” the obvious implication is that Meghan is neither young nor beautiful by Goldblum's assessment. The “younger” qualifier feels like a thinly veiled dig, suggesting Meghan’s age has caught up with her in less-than-flattering ways. Throw in the “more beautiful” modifier, and the comment essentially crowns Vespa as the superior version of Meghan—a sting wrapped in a bow. Ouch. Social media had a field day. One user brutally summarized, “A younger, more beautiful Meghan Markle? So, an older, ugly Meghan Markle?” Another added, “It’s like comparing a name-brand soda to an off-brand cola—similar, but something’s just off.” The jabs didn’t stop there, with one particularly biting comment suggesting that even sharks wouldn’t want a taste of Meghan Markle.
Meanwhile, Goldblum’s fans reveled in his sharp, sardonic humor. Many interpreted the comment as classic Goldblum—a multi-layered joke poking fun at Meghan’s age and preoccupation with her image. “Jeff doesn’t like you, Megs,” one fan quipped, while another speculated that the Duchess’s reported obsession with her public image likely made this public roasting her ultimate nightmare. After all, critics of Meghan often circle back to accusations of vanity and self-importance, making Goldblum’s deadpan delivery feel especially cutting.
But why would Goldblum, known for his eccentric charm, take such a jab at Meghan? Some theorized it might be related to Netflix canceling a project of his, while Meghan and Harry’s lucrative deal with the streaming giant remains intact. Others chalked it up to his talent for slicing through Hollywood’s glossy facade with his signature wit. At 43, Meghan Markle isn’t exactly over the hill, but in comparison to 37-year-old Vespa, Goldblum’s remark made her sound closer to 50—a cruel exaggeration the internet was quick to note.
Goldblum’s supporters defended the comment as a harmless compliment to Vespa, spiced with a cheeky jab at Meghan. “This is what men do,” one commenter wrote. “When you compare two people, someone always gets the short end of the stick.” But was it truly unintentional? Knowing Goldblum’s penchant for deadpan humor and carefully calibrated phrasing, probably not. Fans speculated that the comment was purposefully crafted to both flatter Vespa and land a subtle dig at Meghan.
This moment was quintessential Jeff Goldblum—dry, layered, and laced with just the right amount of cheek. It’s a reminder that in Hollywood, compliments often come with a side of clever insult, especially when delivered by someone as effortlessly cool as Goldblum. As for Meghan Markle, this is far from her first brush with public scrutiny, and it likely won’t be her last. Still, Goldblum’s comment is bound to sting for a while, especially as the internet continues to revel in the chaos. Bravo, Jeff. Once again, you’ve proven your mastery of the art of shade. Now, if only we could see Meghan’s reaction—that might just be the punchline we’re all waiting for.
