The year 2025 brings yet another chapter in the relentless saga of hate directed at Meghan Markle. This time, critics targeted Meghan with hostility for her decision to assist her California community during the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Critics labeled her a “disaster tourist,” with some headlines accusing her of being bad for simply handing out supplies and supporting affected families.
Nobody was surprised when the media described Kate Middleton’s visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, following her cancer remission, as ‘incredibly poignant,’ earning her widespread praise and admiration. The media lauded Kate’s compassion, while Meghan’s similar act of kindness became fodder for bullying and unwarranted criticism. This glaring treatment in coverage reveals a double standard: the media celebrates the white Duchess for her compassion but relentlessly criticizes the mixed-race Duchess for making the same efforts. These narratives expose the deeply entrenched biases that continue to shape media storytelling and public perception.
Meghan Markle’s Condemned While Others Receive Praise
Meghan Markle continues to face intense criticism, even for acts of compassion. She postponed the January 15, 2025 premiere of her Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, to March 4, 2025, in light of the devastating LA wildfires. Her decision was intended to show respect and focus on relief efforts for those affected. However, despite her genuine intentions, critics accused her of seeking attention, with some on social media dismissing her actions as a calculated PR stunt.
In contrast, actress Jean Smart called for award shows to be canceled and their revenues donated to wildfire victims. People respected her suggestion, which sparked thoughtful discussions about the role of entertainment during crises. Audiences praised the organizers of major Hollywood events like the Critics’ Choice Awards and Grammy-related shows for postponing them out of respect for the victims.
Despite the fact that Meghan’s delayed Netflix show aligned with these widely praised actions, the reaction she received shows a sinister double standard. While people celebrated others, they criticized Meghan’s similar action. Such reactions show that the media and the powerful institutions that support them are perpetuating negative narratives about Meghan, contributing to the harassment she endures.
The Media’s Role in Perpetuating Bias
The media actively fuels Meghan Markle trolling by labeling her a “disaster tourist” during her wildfire relief efforts. Figures like Justine Bateman accused Meghan and Prince Harry of exploiting the tragedy for publicity, ignoring clear evidence of their genuine intentions to help. Meghan Markle, born and raised in LA, now lives there with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children—yet critics like Bateman, whose remarks were amplified by the media, still question her decision to help during LA’s devastating crisis.
In contrast, the press painted a far more favorable picture of Kate Middleton’s actions during the vigil for Sarah Everard in March 2021. Kate attended the vigil without a mask during strict COVID-19 restrictions and broke pandemic regulations in the process. The Metropolitan Police confirmed knowing in advance about Kate’s attendance and framed it as “work.”
Despite this, the media framed her presence as an act of solidarity and compassion, even claiming she went “undercover” and the press “spotted her accidentally.” In reality, Kate’s appearance was accompanied by a photographer to document the moment, after which she left before police began arresting attendees for breaking COVID rules. Adding to the disparity, the police later included Meghan Markle’s name in internal reports about the vigil, despite her living in the United States—5,000 miles away—at the time. This exemplifies Meghan’s statement, “I wasn’t being thrown to the wolves, I was being fed to the wolves,” as the media scapegoat her to shield their precious “English Rose” from scrutiny and negativity.
These contrasting narratives reflect a persistent bias. The media vilifies Meghan for acts of compassion while excusing or praising Kate for similar or even questionable actions. By misrepresenting Meghan’s support, the media is creating harmful narratives that target her character and motives.
Meghan Markle’s Philanthropy Continues To Be Ignored
The amplified negativity is an excuse to overshadow Meghan’s commitment to philanthropy. Meghan has consistently worked to uplift communities, especially in moments of crisis. Recently, she supported California wildfire victims by distributing meals and supplies with World Central Kitchen. Her decision to delay her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, reflects her empathy for those impacted, which earned praise from local leaders like Mayor Victor Gordo, who highlighted her genuine involvement.
Meghan’s charitable work predates her royal life. As an actress, she volunteered at soup kitchens in Los Angeles and Toronto and worked with UN Women to advocate for gender equality, delivering a powerful speech at their 2015 conference. She also partnered with World Vision, traveling to Rwanda to promote access to clean water and education for children.
As the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan led impactful initiatives. In 2018, she launched the Together Cookbook to support the Hubb Community Kitchen, benefiting women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. This project provided sustainable funding, enabling the kitchen to expand its community outreach. Meghan also supported Smart Works, an organization that helps women re-enter the workforce by providing professional attire and coaching.
Despite her extensive history of charity, critics continue to label her efforts as performative. This dismissive narrative overlooks Meghan’s long-standing dedication to marginalized communities and her hands-on approach to driving meaningful change.
Related | Kate Middleton Says Cancer Recovery Is a Roller Coaster During Colchester Hospital Visit
From Meghan to Megan the Racial Hierarchy Stays the Same
The media narrative on Meghan Markle reveals strong biases rooted in race, gender, and societal hierarchies. Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry broke the traditional image of “white is right,” shook beauty and cultural norms upheld for centuries. Her presence in the royal family, a space historically dominated by whiteness, sparked unprecedented levels of microaggressions and overt racism, often from those who see her as a challenge to the status quo.
This dynamic becomes clear as critics continually pit Meghan against white women like Kate Middleton, Prince Harry’s ex-girlfriend and, more recently, American white celebrities. The media promotes this comparison to reinforce a narrative that Meghan’s mixed-race identity disqualifies her from occupying spaces traditionally reserved for white women.
The pattern reveals an underlying truth some are loath to admit. Critics often intensify their vitriol toward Black and mixed-race women who are perceived as desirable. The relentless trolling and media narratives seek to “put Meghan in her place,” reinforcing racial and gender hierarchies. These forces dehumanize her to promote the message that spaces of influence, power, and beauty belong to white women, while Black and mixed-race women must stay subordinate. Meghan’s treatment is an example of the resistance to change and the urgent need to confront these harmful biases.
Why the Media Won’t Change
Ever since Meghan Markle announced her return to her former lifestyle blogger roots with the launch of her own personal Instagram and her new Netflix cooking show, the media and online trolls have increased their attacks. They scrutinize her every move, portraying her actions as insincere and attention-seeking. This fixation shows how racism, especially against women of color (WOC), has become normalized in public discourse. Despite stepping down from royal duties five years ago, the media still promotes negative narratives that serve institutional interests, consistently targeting Meghan.
The media needs to perpetuate outdated stereotypes, casting Meghan as the “outspoken disruptor” and Kate as the “perfect English rose”. The narrative insists that Kate, as the future queen and a symbol of “whiteness,” must always outshine a successful American WOC. Until media outlets and social media commentators confront these biases, they will continue fueling toxic comparisons and public trolling, impacting Meghan and countless others who challenge societal norms.
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