In a recent visit to a refugee kitchen, Meghan Markle has come under fire for what many are calling a superficial engagement with Afghan women.
Critics expected her to leverage this opportunity to highlight the struggles faced by these resilient individuals.
Instead, they argue, the event seemed more focused on promoting Meghan herself rather than amplifying the voices of those in need.
Reports indicate that Meghan spent a mere ten minutes at the kitchen, which has left many feeling disappointed.
Attendees noted that she did not participate in cooking or engage meaningfully with the women present.
Instead, she appeared to interact only with a select group of three women, who have been photographed with her in past visits, raising eyebrows about the authenticity of her involvement.
The brevity of her visit has sparked a wave of frustration among the refugee women.
One attendee expressed discontent, stating, “She didn’t cook, didn’t engage, and just left after snapping a few pictures.” This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the duchess’s presence was more about her image than any real support for the community.
Thanksgiving could have been an ideal moment for Meghan to forge a deeper connection with the women.
Many suggested that participating in meal preparation would have demonstrated solidarity and respect for their culture.
Instead, she arrived with a security detail, posed for photos, and departed almost as quickly as she came.
Critics also pointed out that her attire—sleeveless clothing paired with loose hair—was seen as culturally insensitive, especially considering Afghan traditions.
One refugee remarked, “She didn’t even stay for the meal.
It was just a quick hello and then gone.” This lack of engagement has left many feeling used, as if their struggles were merely a backdrop for her publicity.
The event has led to accusations of it being a staged publicity stunt.
A refugee attendee lamented, “Nothing has changed for us since she started visiting.
There’s been no real support, no initiatives that have improved our lives.” The same three women featured in past visits were once again highlighted, leading some to believe the visit was meticulously planned.
This has raised questions about Meghan’s true intentions.
Observers argue that instead of using her platform to shine a light on the challenges faced by these women, the visit appeared to prioritize her personal branding.
“Imagine if she had actually cooked with them,” one critic mused.
“It could have made for a heartfelt Thanksgiving segment in her Netflix series.”
As more refugees share their experiences, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about celebrity involvement in humanitarian efforts.
Many argue that such appearances can feel exploitative when they lack genuine engagement.
A royal commentator remarked, “The duchess could have done so much more.
Listening to their stories or helping with the meal would have meant the world.”
Despite the backlash, some of Meghan’s supporters contend that her presence still drew attention to the camp.
However, for those directly affected, the tangible impact seems minimal.
One refugee bluntly stated, “She didn’t bring food, she didn’t stay, and she didn’t help.
What’s the point of her coming at all?”
The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between celebrity advocacy and authentic engagement.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Meghan will navigate the criticism and whether she will adjust her approach in future endeavors.