At the 2024 Emmy Awards, a moment unfolded that had everyone talking—Martin Short took a comedic swing at Meghan Markle, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.

This playful jab, which quickly went viral, has ignited a whirlwind of reactions across social media platforms.

The incident kicked off when Selena Gomez, who was presenting an award, casually mentioned that Meghan had reached out to her, asking for a shout-out during the ceremony.

In a split second, Short seized the chance to deliver a witty rebuttal.

“Well, Selena, I’m sorry, but I just can’t in good conscience give Meghan Markle a shout-out,” he quipped, prompting fits of laughter from the audience.

His delivery was sharp, suggesting that Markle was already “drowning in attention.”

Short didn’t stop there.

He continued to liken Meghan’s quest for recognition to that of a “needy toddler craving validation.”

The crowd roared with laughter as he painted a vivid picture of her as a “fame-hungry puppy, constantly yipping for attention.”

His remarks struck a chord, drawing even louder applause from the audience, as they resonated with a growing sentiment about Markle’s public persona.

As the clip circulated online, many viewers praised Short for his impeccable comedic timing and his boldness in calling out what some perceive as Meghan’s incessant need for the spotlight.

Yet, not everyone was amused.

Critics, particularly Meghan’s supporters, labeled Short’s comments as “disrespectful” and “sexist.”

One Twitter user slammed him, saying, “Martin Short is just another old, white man trying to tear down a strong, independent woman like Meghan Markle.”

On the flip side, defenders of Short argued that he merely voiced a common frustration regarding Meghan’s media presence.

“Let’s be honest, Meghan Markle has made a career out of playing the victim and demanding the spotlight,” one user noted, commending Short for his courage to speak out.

This divide in public opinion reflects the complexities surrounding Markle’s image and her role in the royal narrative.

The controversy didn’t stop at the comedy stage; it reignited discussions about the British royal family’s relevance in today’s world.

Critics argue that Meghan’s behavior undermines the traditional values of the monarchy, which emphasize discretion and service over personal fame.

Royal commentator Piers Morgan weighed in, stating, “Meghan Markle seems to have forgotten that being a member of the royal family is not about personal fame and glory, but about serving the people.”

Conversely, Meghan’s advocates have pushed back against these critiques, claiming that she has been subjected to undue scrutiny and sexism.

They argue that her actions are often misinterpreted and that the media has consistently treated her unfairly.

This ongoing debate highlights the challenges faced by public figures, especially women, in navigating the treacherous waters of fame.