Duchess of Sussex’s claim as “one of the most bullied people” triggers backlash
Meghan Markle has stirred debate following her recent comments at an event in Santa Barbara, where she referred to herself as “one of the most bullied people in the world.” The Duchess of Sussex, while speaking to teenagers at the Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, shared her personal experiences with bullying.
The comment, however, has ignited a backlash, with critics accusing Meghan of exaggerating her struggles. Royal commentator Chloe Dobbs harshly criticised the Duchess, calling her statement "pathetic" and questioning her understanding of real bullying experiences. Others, such as former BBC presenter Liz Kershaw, claimed that Meghan’s criticism has been deserved rather than an example of bullying.
Journalist Benjamin Butterworth, on the other hand, suggested that while some criticism of Meghan may be unwarranted, her approach of seeking sympathy from young people was misplaced, given her privileged lifestyle. Butterworth believes Meghan could better inspire youth by focusing on their potential achievements rather than portraying herself as a victim.
The Duchess’s remarks have reignited ongoing debates surrounding her public image and the scrutiny she faces, particularly in the media. Meghan’s visit to Girls Inc. follows the launch of The Parents Network, an initiative she and Harry support to help parents affected by online harms.
