The Sussexes have been vocal in expressing their apprehensions about social media safety, but their behavior does not consistently align with their public statements. They seem resistant to receiving criticism on various social media platforms, at times attempting to control the narrative to their advantage, possibly even to benefit more influential figures.
Meghan herself has reported instances of being targeted by bullies, raising questions about the demarcation between cyberbullying and the mistreatment of colleagues, which has culminated in disciplinary actions. Additionally, allegations persist that the Sussexes compensate individuals on social media to make death threats, disseminate falsehoods, launch insults, and engage in intimidation—conduct that directly contradicts their advocacy for online safety.
These activities are often executed through surrogate accounts and are occasionally linked to bot farms, including Bot Sentinel, an entity associated with Christopher Boyer, recognized for his contentious actions on social media and his purported ties to the Sussexes.
The Sussex Squad, an impassioned group of supporters, has faced accusations of issuing combative responses to other members of the online community across various social media platforms, with Meghan and Harry refraining from condemning such conduct. Samantha Markle, Meghan's sister, has expressed concerns for her personal safety, disclosing a steady stream of abuse on Twitter instigated by Meghan's fans.
Samantha Markle has recounted incidents where her personal information and public records were distorted and disseminated online, casting her in an unfavorable light. This has unleashed a torrent of abusive messages, encompassing death threats and even horrifying threats involving acid. Samantha Markle perceives herself as unjustly singled out and persecuted based on unfounded rumors and conjecture.
The inclusion of the Sussexes as keynote speakers on the subject of mental health has faced criticism, with many contending that this topic necessitates speakers who command greater credibility, as opposed to individuals who are perceived as purveyors of misinformation, disinformation, and online harassment.