In a surprising twist at the Afro Women and Power Conference in Cali, Colombia, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, took center stage alongside her husband, Prince Harry.
The event, which was hosted at the Enrique Buenaventura Municipal Theatre, was intended to honor the achievements and struggles of women of African descent in Colombia.
Yet, Markle’s appearance quickly turned from celebration to controversy.
Markle, who has made a name for herself advocating for social causes, aimed to connect with the Afro-Colombian community during her speech.
She even attempted to showcase her grasp of the local culture by addressing the audience in both English and Spanish.
However, her efforts did not resonate as intended, and the crowd’s reaction was anything but welcoming.
Eyewitnesses reported that chaos erupted just as Markle began to speak Spanish.
A heckler interrupted her, directing a question about transgender rights to Colombian Vice President Francia Mórquez, who was also part of the panel.
While Markle maintained her composure and flashed a smile, Mórquez responded calmly in Spanish, addressing the query and reaffirming that the program included discussions on transgender issues.
Despite the disruption, Markle pressed on, expressing gratitude for Colombia’s warm welcome and her eagerness to engage with the community.
However, the initial heckling seemed to set an uneasy tone for her address.
As she continued, the crowd’s discontent grew, with boos and shouts directed at her presence on stage.
This incident has ignited a debate regarding Markle’s ability to authentically engage with marginalized communities, especially those with rich cultural identities and histories of struggle.
Critics have suggested that her intentions may have been more self-serving, questioning whether she truly understood the challenges facing Afro-Colombian women.
Local activist Claudia Restrepo voiced her concerns, stating that there appeared to be a disconnect between Markle and the audience.
“She seemed more focused on flaunting her linguistic skills and royal status than on genuinely listening to our stories,” Restrepo remarked, highlighting the perceived lack of sincerity in Markle’s approach.
The backlash against Markle’s participation underscores the complex dynamics within the Afro-Colombian community.
Issues like representation, discrimination, and the ongoing fight for social justice are deeply entrenched, and many viewed Markle’s presence as a reminder of the colonial legacy that has historically marginalized Afro-Colombians.
Mariana Gomez, a community organizer, expressed her frustration, saying, “This event was meant to celebrate our resilience and our pursuit of equality.
Instead, Meghan and Harry’s involvement felt like an unwelcome intrusion, laden with the baggage of the British monarchy.”
Furthermore, the role of the Archwell Foundation, the non-profit organization established by Markle and Prince Harry, has come under scrutiny.
Some attendees have accused the foundation of using the conference as a platform to advance its own agenda rather than genuinely empowering the Afro-Colombian community.
As the dust settles from this unexpected confrontation, it’s clear that the event has sparked a broader conversation about authenticity and representation.
The Afro-Colombian community continues to seek allies who genuinely understand their struggles and aspirations, rather than figures who may simply be seeking to elevate their own profiles.