Meghan Markle’s recent visit to Colombia has stirred quite the debate, particularly over her choice of attire.

The Duchess of Sussex found herself at the center of a controversy after Vice President Francia Marquez publicly criticized her fashion selection, raising eyebrows and questions about cultural sensitivity.

The drama unfolded during Markle and Prince Harry’s four-day trip to Bogotá, where they aimed to engage with local communities and promote social and environmental initiatives.

Upon their arrival, Meghan made a goodwill gesture by presenting Marquez with a personal gift, recognizing her role as Colombia’s first Black vice president.

However, this act of kindness was overshadowed by the backlash regarding Meghan’s outfit.

Marquez, a staunch advocate for environmentalism and social justice, expressed her disapproval of Meghan’s revealing dress designed by Colombian designer Yana Ortiz.

The gown featured an audacious cutout and a high slit, which Marquez deemed disrespectful to Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.

Her comments highlighted a significant disconnect between the Duchess’s fashion choices and the expectations of modesty that many Colombians hold dear.

The Vice President’s disappointment was palpable as she articulated her belief that Meghan should have shown greater respect for Colombian customs.

In her view, the choice of attire was not just a fashion faux pas but an affront to the values and traditions that many Colombians cherish.

Marquez emphasized that the outfit deviated from the sophistication and modesty that define their cultural identity.

As news of the incident spread, social media erupted with opinions on both sides of the debate.

Many Colombians rallied behind Marquez, agreeing that Meghan’s attire was inappropriate and indicative of cultural appropriation.

Critics accused the Duchess of leveraging Colombian design without a genuine understanding of its significance, further fueling the discussion.

One Twitter user pointed out that Meghan Markle has a history of prioritizing her narrative over the cultures she claims to support.

This incident was cited as yet another example of her perceived insensitivity towards the communities she engages with.

The backlash raised questions about whether celebrities can truly advocate for social causes while seemingly ignoring the cultural nuances of the places they visit.

Conversely, there were voices defending Meghan, arguing that she has the right to express herself through her fashion choices.

Supporters suggested that Marquez’s criticism might stem from a desire to diminish the influence of royal figures rather than a genuine concern for cultural representation.

One user even remarked that Meghan’s global stature allows her the freedom to choose her attire, regardless of local opinions.

Despite the divided opinions, it’s clear that this incident has cast a shadow over Meghan and Harry’s visit, which was intended to highlight their commitment to important social issues.

With a prominent political figure openly criticizing the Duchess, the dynamics of their tour have shifted dramatically.

As the couple continues their journey through Colombia, it remains uncertain how they will navigate the fallout from this controversy.

Will Meghan be able to mend her image among Colombian citizens?