Meghan Markle, known as the Duchess of Sussex, found herself in a mix of embarrassment and anger when her attempt to secure an invitation to the 96th Academy Awards was overlooked by host Jimmy Kimmel.
The former actress had envisioned attending the prestigious event alongside her husband, Prince Harry, and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s elite.
In an effort to make this happen, Meghan reached out to Kimmel through her former co-star from “Suits,” Patrick J. Adams, who shares a friendship with both parties.
However, Kimmel, a renowned comedian and late-night talk show host, showed no interest in featuring Meghan on his show or having her at the Oscars, allegedly dismissing her email without a glance.
Jimmy Kimmel, a seasoned host who has led the Oscars stage four times, including the 2024 edition, is celebrated for his sharp wit and humorous yet provocative segments.
His show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
on ABC, has garnered acclaim from audiences and critics alike, hosting a myriad of prominent figures from the entertainment industry and politics.
Despite Meghan’s eagerness to grace Kimmel’s show and utilize the platform to champion her and Harry’s endeavors, Kimmel’s disinterest in her presence was palpable.
Following their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 and relocate to the United States, Meghan and Harry have embarked on various ventures, aligning with causes close to their hearts such as mental health awareness, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
Through partnerships with streaming giant Netflix and audio platform Spotify, the couple has been actively producing content that mirrors their values.
Additionally, they established the charitable organization Archewell and welcomed their second child, daughter Lilibet, in June 2021.
Kimmel’s reluctance to engage with Meghan stemmed partly from his disapproval of her and Harry’s departure from the royal family and subsequent move to the U.S. As a staunch American patriot, Kimmel took offense to Meghan’s critiques of the nation and her involvement in the 2020 presidential election, where she advocated for Joe Biden.
The host, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, believed Meghan overstepped her boundaries in meddling with U.S. politics and felt she should show gratitude towards the country that embraced her family.
Despite receiving Meghan’s request through Adams, who had previously featured on his show, Kimmel chose to ignore the email altogether, expressing his lack of interest in associating with Meghan or supporting her initiatives.
He made it clear to his team and acquaintances that he prioritized other guests over Meghan and did not wish to allocate time or energy towards her pursuits.
Advising Adams to relay a message to Meghan to desist from contacting him and concentrate on her personal affairs, Kimmel stood firm in his decision to distance himself from the Duchess.
In a surprising turn of events, Meghan, anticipating a warm reception from Kimmel, was left stunned and affronted by his rejection.
Feeling slighted and belittled, Meghan accused Kimmel of jealousy, insecurity, and disrespect.
She even went as far as threatening legal action against Kimmel for defamation and discrimination, vowing to expose his alleged misdeeds.
Declaring a boycott on Kimmel’s show and sponsors, Meghan rallied her supporters to stand in solidarity with her and Harry against what she perceived as unjust treatment.
News of Meghan’s snub by Kimmel swiftly circulated, sparking a wave of controversy and backlash against the Duchess.
Critics seized the opportunity to deride Meghan for her perceived entitlement, inability to handle rejection, and the shortcomings of her and Harry’s undertakings.
They highlighted past statements where Meghan professed a desire for a private life, contrasting it with her recent actions, casting doubt on her intentions and credibility amidst the unfolding drama.