Meghan Markle, the former actress and self-proclaimed Duchess of Sussex, faced a hostile and humiliating reception at the South by Southwest, SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
The incident unfolded on Monday as she took the stage to deliver a speech about her experiences as a mother and a feminist.
Despite the audience paying a significant fee to attend the festival and hear her speak, they responded with boos and jeers, making it clear that they did not welcome her presence.
Meghan, who had hoped to leverage the festival as an opportunity to promote herself and her controversial Netflix deal, found herself speechless and furious at the audience’s reaction.
As a co-founder of the Archwell Foundation and Archwell Productions, as well as a feminist and advocate for human rights and gender equity, she was there to share insights on redefining motherhood and finding her voice and purpose.
The festival, known for celebrating the convergence of technology, film, television, and music, became a battleground for Meghan as soon as she stepped onto the stage.
Attendees displayed signs reading “Megxit Liar” and “Fake,” while some wore t-shirts with slogans like “Teen Kate” and “God Save the Queen.”
The situation escalated further when objects like tomatoes and eggs were hurled towards her, narrowly missing her.
The predominantly royal family and British culture enthusiasts in the audience were deeply offended by Meghan’s actions and statements, particularly following her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
In the interview, she levied accusations of racism, neglect, and abuse against the monarchy and the media.
This only served to stoke the flames of discontent among the attendees, leading to a chorus of disapproval directed at Meghan.
Despite the audience’s hostility, Meghan attempted to press on with her speech, focusing on her children, Archie and Lilibet, as sources of inspiration for her pursuits.
She shared photos of them on a large screen behind her, claiming they were taken at her home in Montecito by herself and Harry.
However, the audience, having seen the images circulating on platforms like the subreddit SaintMeghanMarkle, quickly discerned inconsistencies and alterations in the photos, further fueling their disdain for Meghan’s presentation.
As the audience continued to voice their displeasure, chants of “we want Kate,” “we love the Queen,” and “God save the King” reverberated through the venue, underscoring their allegiance to Kate Middleton, Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles.
The sentiments expressed towards Meghan were juxtaposed with expressions of support for Harry, urging him to detach from Meghan and return to the UK.
The tense atmosphere at the SXSW Festival encapsulated the polarized opinions surrounding Meghan Markle, highlighting the challenges she faces in navigating public perception and scrutiny.
Despite her intentions to share personal reflections and advocate for causes close to her heart, the backlash she encountered serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in her public persona.