Meghan Markle, the former actress turned self-proclaimed Duchess of Sussex, found herself in an embarrassing situation during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.
Attempting to prove the existence of her children, Archie and Lilibet, she resorted to showing fake photos of them to the audience.
The ill-conceived stunt took a turn for the worse when fellow panelist, actress and model Brooke Shields, called her out and demanded she cease her lies.
Shields, along with Katie Couric, Erin Haines, and Nancy Wayne Ewan, was part of the keynote panel where the incident unfolded.
Invited to the festival in her capacity as co-founder of the Archwell Foundation and Archwell Productions, as well as a feminist advocate for human rights and gender equality, Meghan participated in the opening day panel titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Led On and Off the Screen.”
Moderated by Erin Haines, the discussion was intended to delve into the importance of representation in media and entertainment, as well as the challenges faced by women both in front of and behind the camera.
However, Meghan seemed to have her own agenda.
Living in California with her husband Prince Harry and their two children post-exit from the royal family, Meghan diverted the panel’s focus towards self-promotion, particularly emphasizing her controversial Netflix deal, which has faced widespread criticism.
Seeking to dispel rumors circulating online that her children were not real but rather dolls or digitally altered images, Meghan attempted to showcase her parenting through a series of photos purportedly taken at their Montecito home.
The audience, who had paid a significant fee to attend the festival, was taken aback by Meghan’s deceitful display.
The manipulated images of Archie and Lilibet, sporting varying features, skin tones, and hair colors, were met with shock and disapproval.
Disillusioned attendees expressed their discontent through boos and protests, with some opting to leave the venue in protest.
Despite efforts from other panelists to redirect the conversation, Meghan persisted in her narrative, fixating on her children and Netflix deal.
Brooke Shields, seated alongside Meghan, eventually took a stand against her behavior.
A mother herself and a seasoned figure in the entertainment industry, Shields did not mince her words.
Condemning Meghan’s actions as narcissistic and exploitative, Shields urged her to halt the deception and apologize for misleading the audience and disrespecting their intelligence.
Her bold stance garnered applause and support from both the audience and fellow panelists.
In response to Shields’ intervention, Meghan appeared speechless and indignant, unable to counter the accusations leveled against her.
As moderator Erin Haines concluded the panel, Meghan was escorted offstage by her security team, leaving behind a trail of embarrassment and frustration.
Criticism of Meghan’s conduct has mounted, with many commending Shields for her courage and honesty while questioning Meghan’s integrity and mental state.
The fallout from Meghan’s misguided attempt to validate her motherhood has sparked concerns about the well-being of her family, particularly Prince Harry and their children.
Observers have raised doubts about Meghan’s credibility and emotional stability, suggesting that professional assistance may be warranted.
Amidst the aftermath of this incident, the public remains divided on Meghan’s actions, with lingering apprehensions about the impact on her familial relationships.