Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves in hot water yet again, this time for their recent visit to a Texas BBQ restaurant.
The Sussexes’ PR team proudly announced that the royal couple paid a surprise visit to the LA BBQ joint in Austin, where they warmly greeted co-owner Alison Clem with hugs before indulging in some mouth-watering brisket and sausages.
However, it has come to light that Meghan had actually hired the BBQ owner for a photo op, raising eyebrows and accusations of manipulation.
The couple’s visit to the BBQ restaurant was part of their trip to Austin for the SXSW conference, where Meghan participated as a panelist alongside notable figures such as Brooke Shields and Katie Couric.
Prince Harry, on the other hand, sat among the audience during an engaging discussion on women’s empowerment and breaking barriers both on and off the screen.
Following the panel, the couple made their way to the BBQ joint for what seemed like a casual dining experience.
During their visit, Prince Harry reportedly spotted a controversial mural of rock legend Freddie Mercury dressed as the late Queen Elizabeth, placed strategically next to a gender-neutral toilet.
In a surprising turn of events, Harry jokingly suggested taking a photo in front of the mural, much to the disapproval of many who found the gesture disrespectful towards the late Queen.
Meghan, however, joined in the jest and posed alongside Harry for the now-infamous snapshot.
Owner Alison Clem later shared that the royal couple had been cordial and pleasant throughout their visit, interacting with staff and patrons while enjoying their BBQ feast.
However, suspicions arose when it was revealed that Meghan’s representatives had reached out to Clem post-departure, praising the BBQ as the best they had ever tasted.
This indirect feedback raised questions about the sincerity of the couple’s interactions during their visit.
In a surprising twist, it was uncovered that the owners of the BBQ joint, Leanne Muller and Alison Clem, are currently facing fraud charges related to an insurance claim dating back to 2016.
The Texas Department of Insurance disclosed that the couple is accused of orchestrating a workers’ compensation fraud scheme, resulting in a substantial payout of over $350,000 in benefits.
This revelation added a layer of complexity to Harry and Meghan’s visit, hinting at possible ulterior motives behind their support of the embattled BBQ owners.
Critics have not shied away from condemning Harry and Meghan’s actions, labeling them as opportunistic and insincere in their public appearances.
The couple’s ability to switch between personas depending on the situation has raised suspicions about their true intentions and the authenticity of their interactions with others.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding their every move underscores the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining a genuine public image amidst controversies and scandals.
As the dust settles on the BBQ debacle, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Harry and Meghan, with questions swirling about their connections and motivations behind their public engagements.
The saga serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in navigating fame and public perception, especially for individuals under constant scrutiny and criticism.
The tale of the royal couple’s BBQ visit serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of mixing personal branding with questionable associations, leaving a bitter aftertaste in the mouths of both supporters and skeptics alike.