In a moment that many are calling one of the most cringeworthy revelations of 2024, ESPN producer Bill Simmons recently made a bewildering statement regarding Meghan Markle’s life before she became a royal.

During a casual chat on his podcast, he referred to Markle as “obtainable” during her time on the show Suits.

This remark has ignited a heated debate about the former actress’s remarkable journey from a supporting role on television to becoming a member of the British royal family.

Let’s take a trip back to 2014.

At that time, Meghan Markle was portraying Rachel Zane on USA Network’s Suits, comfortably nestled somewhere between relative anonymity and Hollywood’s B-list.

Simmons’s implication that she was just waiting to be discovered—by an average Joe rather than a casting director—is not only misguided but also overlooks the reality of Markle’s ambitions.

Far from being a passive figure, Markle was already laying the groundwork for her greatest role yet: transforming from a television actress into a global icon.

Her lifestyle blog, The Tig, was thriving, and she was busy crafting an image that was both aspirational and relatable.

She attended high-profile events, broadened her social network, and honed her networking skills, all while preparing for her future endeavors.

The notion that she was “obtainable” seems particularly out of touch, especially considering her past relationships, including a marriage to Trevor Engelson, which showcased her understanding of strategic partnerships in the entertainment world.

Simmons’s comments inadvertently reveal more about societal perceptions of women in Hollywood than about Markle herself.

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, she was not simply waiting for someone to notice her; she was actively shaping her own narrative.

Each decision she made appeared to be a calculated move on a complex chessboard, aimed at elevating her status and influence.

By 2014, Markle was already distancing herself from earlier career choices, like her brief stint as a briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal.

Instead, she was meticulously building a sophisticated public persona that would later transition effortlessly into her humanitarian work.

The idea that she was ever “obtainable” reflects a broader misunderstanding of the entertainment industry’s dynamics and the agency of women within it.

Ironically, Simmons’s remark comes long after Markle has proven just how “unobtainable” she truly is.

Her ascent from cable television to the British monarchy, coupled with her adept manipulation of media narratives, illustrates that she was never the passive figure Simmons suggests.

Markle has consistently taken charge of her own story, whether through her high-profile interview with Oprah or her various post-royal ventures, including Netflix documentaries and children’s books.

This episode shines a light on the very attitudes that Markle has publicly challenged throughout her career.

The notion that she could be viewed as a prize to be won, rather than as a professional woman navigating her own path, underscores the reductive thinking she has fought against in her advocacy work.

It highlights the stark contrast between public perception and the private ambitions that drive women like her.

The uproar following Simmons’s comment was swift and fierce.

Many took to social media to express their outrage, arguing that reducing Markle—a woman of color and a powerful figure—to mere commodity status is not only sexist but also deeply problematic.

This incident is just the latest in a long line of controversies surrounding Markle since she entered the public eye as Prince Harry’s fiancée.

Meghan Markle’s journey to royalty was anything but typical.

Born in 1981 to a white father and a black mother, she grew up in Los Angeles, where she pursued acting without the safety net of nepotism.

Her big break came in 2011 when she landed her role on Suits, thrusting her into the limelight and setting the stage for her eventual rise to royal status.

During her time on Suits, Markle crafted a public persona that resonated with many.

She spoke candidly about her biracial identity, her commitment to humanitarian causes, and her desire to make a positive impact.

This authentic approach endeared her to a growing fanbase, who saw reflections of their own struggles in her story.

As Markle’s fame grew, so did media scrutiny.

Tabloids dissected her every move, often framing her as a difficult diva.

Yet, despite the relentless criticism, Markle remained steadfast.

In 2017, she announced her engagement to Prince Harry, and the world watched with a mix of excitement and skepticism, questioning her place within the British monarchy.

The narrative surrounding Meghan Markle is complex, challenging the simplistic views often perpetuated by the media.

Behind the glamorous facade of royalty lies a woman who has navigated the treacherous waters of fame, power, and privilege with resilience and determination.

As we continue to witness her journey, Simmons’s comment serves as a reminder of the misconceptions that still exist about ambitious women in the public eye.