Meghan Markle, known as the Duchess of Sussex, found herself in an embarrassing and infuriating situation when she was snubbed and asked to leave by Geoffrey Wright, a renowned actor and director, during the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) honors event.
The incident took place on March 3, 2024, at the prestigious SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Markle had hoped to attend the event alongside her husband, Prince Harry, to engage with industry professionals and celebrities but ended up facing an unexpected confrontation.
Geoffrey Wright, who was being honored with the Excellence in the Arts Award, Male, for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, including notable works like Basquiat, Westworld, and American Fiction, was unimpressed by Markle’s uninvited presence.
Witnesses reported that Wright bluntly instructed Markle to leave, expressing his disdain for her and urging her to stop bothering him.
The acclaimed actor’s rejection left Markle visibly shocked and at a loss for words.
The ABFF honors event, hosted by comedian and actor Tommy Davidson, also recognized talents such as Taraji P. Henson, Garrett Morris, and Mara Brock Akil with various accolades.
Markle, who relocated to the United States with Prince Harry and their son, Archie, after stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, had intended to leverage the occasion to promote their projects with Netflix and Spotify, focusing on themes like mental health, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
However, Wright’s disapproval of Markle stemmed from his strong patriotic beliefs and his disagreement with her and Prince Harry’s decision to distance themselves from the British royal family.
As a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, Wright took offense at Markle’s involvement in U.S. politics, particularly during the 2020 presidential election when she and Prince Harry endorsed Joe Biden.
This clash of ideologies led to the uncomfortable encounter between the two at the ABFF honors event.
The confrontation between Wright and Markle, captured on camera and widely circulated on social media, triggered a wave of reactions online.
While many commended Wright for his candidness and integrity, Markle faced criticism and mockery for her perceived sense of entitlement and inability to handle rejection gracefully.
The incident not only tarnished Markle’s public image but also alienated some of her supporters, who felt let down by her actions.
In the aftermath of the incident, Markle’s reputation and standing came under scrutiny, with concerns raised about the potential impact on her dignity and identity.
The encounter at the ABFF honors event served as a stark reminder of the challenges Markle faces as she navigates her role outside the confines of the royal family and seeks to establish herself in the competitive world of entertainment and philanthropy.