Meghan Markle's so-called "hermit mode" appears to be in full swing following the intense backlash surrounding her recent visit to a Los Angeles soup kitchen.
This visit, framed as a gesture of compassion for wildfire survivors, has been widely criticized as a glorified photo opportunity. Rather than quietly helping those affected by the devastation, Meghan seemingly used the moment as another PR campaign. In doing so, she has once again become the center of a media storm. The visit, which many saw as an orchestrated effort to salvage her public image, prompted sharp criticism.
Actress Justine Bateman was quick to label the event as "disaster tourism," a term that perfectly encapsulates the optics of the Sussexes’ efforts. With cameras conveniently capturing every moment of Meghan and Harry distributing meals, it’s hard not to question the sincerity behind their actions. Was this truly about helping wildfire survivors, or was it another attempt to win back public sympathy through staged acts of goodwill?
Sources close to Meghan have suggested that the backlash has left her feeling "crushed," though public sympathy for her plight is limited. After all, this is the same Meghan Markle who jet-sets from one luxurious event to another, often sprinkling her public appearances with seemingly strategic displays of compassion. She has reportedly expressed how deeply her heart aches for Los Angeles—the city where she grew up and, some argue, uses as a convenient backdrop for her PR narratives.
The wildfire crisis is undeniably tragic, but Meghan’s brief stint at the soup kitchen raised more eyebrows than applause. The sight of her and Harry handing out meals with photographers in tow came across as more of a media spectacle than an act of genuine service. Critics argue that if she truly wanted to help, she might have opted for consistent, quiet volunteering over the course of weeks or months—without the cameras. Instead, her appearance felt more like a fleeting attempt to control the narrative after a series of public missteps.
Meghan’s retreat into "hermit mode" has been equally scrutinized. While she claims to be stepping away from the spotlight, her actions suggest otherwise. Announcing her intention to take a break from public life is, ironically, a way to remain in the public eye. Media outlets are already primed to churn out sympathetic articles about her supposed "struggles" and "emotional journey" after witnessing the devastation firsthand. It’s hard not to see this as a calculated pause—a way to let the backlash die down while planning her next move.
What’s more, it seems inevitable that Meghan will resurface with a new narrative carefully crafted to regain public favor. Whether it’s a candid paparazzi shot or a headline-grabbing interview, her return will likely come with a well-timed story about overcoming adversity. In fact, some speculate that her next move might involve invoking issues like racial harassment, which she has previously discussed, as a way to remind the public of her hardships.
The real question is: does Meghan genuinely want to help, or is this all part of a larger strategy to maintain her relevance? A single afternoon at a soup kitchen may make for a great photo op, but it does little to create meaningful, long-term change. If Meghan truly wanted to make a difference, she could dedicate herself to weeks or even months of sustained efforts to aid wildfire survivors. Instead, critics argue that her approach feels performative—a short-term gesture meant to generate headlines rather than lasting impact.
As Meghan retreats to her proverbial "hermit cave," it’s likely she’s already strategizing her next reinvention. Will we see the quiet, introspective Meghan who shuns the limelight, or will she emerge as the ever-philanthropic figure, ready with another well-timed media campaign? Only time will tell, but one thing seems certain: Meghan’s so-called hermit mode is less about disappearing from public view and more about recalibrating her PR strategy. Whether the public buys into her next chapter remains to be seen.
