Actress and model Brooke Shields, known for her rise to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a child star, made headlines at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.
During a keynote panel alongside Meghan Markle, Katie Couric, Aaron Haynes, and Nancy Wainewin, Shields launched a scathing verbal attack on Meghan, the former actress and self-proclaimed Duchess of Sussex.
The tension between Shields and Meghan escalated after a heated confrontation at a festival party attended by notable personalities from the entertainment and fashion industry.
Witnesses reported a tense face-to-face encounter where Shields did not mince words, labeling Meghan as a yacht girl and a prostitute, insinuating that she leveraged relationships with affluent individuals to further her career and lifestyle.
Known for her candid nature, Shields did not shy away from expressing her disapproval of Meghan’s past actions and relationships.
The term “yacht girl,” often associated with women paid to accompany wealthy men on luxury yachts, was used by Shields to criticize Meghan’s alleged involvement in such arrangements.
Additionally, Shields implied that Meghan had compromised her integrity by engaging in activities for financial gain and fame.
Meghan, visibly taken aback by Shields’ accusations, attempted to defend herself against the onslaught of allegations.
However, Shields persisted, questioning Meghan’s character and motives, accusing her of deceit, hypocrisy, and narcissism.
Shields cast doubt on Meghan’s claims of experiencing racism, isolation, and lack of support within the royal family, dismissing them as attempts to garner sympathy while enjoying a lavish lifestyle and lucrative deals.
The confrontation between Shields and Meghan stirred commotion among party attendees, prompting divided reactions.
While some applauded Shields for her candor and bravery, others condemned her for what they perceived as rudeness and animosity towards Meghan.
Efforts to mediate the situation proved futile, leading to security intervention to separate the two women and escort them out of the event.
The following day, Shields and Meghan found themselves sharing the stage once more during the opening day keynote panel titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen.”
Moderated by Erin Haines, the discussion aimed to explore representation in media and entertainment, as well as the challenges women encounter in both realms.
Despite the panel’s intended focus, the strained relationship between Shields and Meghan overshadowed the conversation, evident in their minimal interaction and distant demeanor.
Audience members, aware of the underlying tension, expressed mixed reactions, with some displaying support for Shields while others vocalized their disapproval of Meghan.
While Shields maintained her composure and concentrated on the panel’s theme, sharing her experiences as a mother and industry veteran, Meghan used the platform to address controversies surrounding her Netflix deal and her children, Archie and Lilibet.
Amidst the lingering drama, Shields steered the discussion towards her upcoming projects, including a new TV show, showcasing her resilience and dedication to her craft.