Duchess of Sussex opens up about 'hateful' cyber-bullying she received while pregnant with Archie and Lilibet and says she now 'keeps a distance for my wellbeing' during SXSW festival panel
During her appearance at the star-studded International Women's Day panel at the SXSW festival, Meghan Markle bravely spoke out about the distressing cyber-bullying she endured while she was pregnant with her children, Archie and Lilibet. The Duchess of Sussex, who arrived in Texas for the event, joined esteemed guests such as Brooke Shields and Katie Couric to discuss the vital topics of breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.
Meghan, aged 42, shed light on the pervasive issue of online hate and revealed that a significant portion of the bullying and abuse she faced occurred during her pregnancies. Expressing her disbelief at the cruelty she
experienced, she emphasized that the attacks were not merely catty but undeniably cruel. She pondered why individuals would choose to engage in such hateful behavior during such a tender and sacred time in her life as a pregnant woman and a mother.
Reflecting on her own resilience, Meghan acknowledged that while the pain inflicted by cyber-bullying could be overwhelming, her maternal instinct kicked in, compelling her to protect her children and herself from harm. As she spoke passionately about her experiences, her husband, Prince Harry, could be seen clapping from the front row, offering unwavering support to his wife. He sat next to Markus Anderson, a close friend and confidante of Meghan, often referred to as the "second most important man" in her life, given his instrumental role in bringing Harry and Meghan together.
The SXSW festival, also known as South by Southwest, is an annual event that celebrates the convergence of technology, film, music, education, and culture. Taking place from March 8-16, the festival provides a platform for thought-provoking discussions and showcases the talents of diverse individuals. Meghan, hailed as a visionary female leader, was the headliner of the keynote event on International Women's Day, organized by her and Harry's Archewell Foundation in conjunction with The 19th, a nonprofit newsroom focused on gender, politics, and policy.
In her pursuit of positive change and improved public perception, Meghan has reached out to renowned PR experts in the UK, aiming to enhance her own reputation as well as that of Archewell, the foundation she co-founded with Prince Harry in California. As she continues to engage in notable public appearances, such as her virtual participation in the opening of a new wing of the animal charity Mayhew, Meghan remains committed to making a difference in various spheres.
The Duchess's involvement in the SXSW panel discussion, titled "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen," underscores her commitment to representation in media and entertainment. The session, moderated by Errin Haines, host of The Amendment podcast, also featured pop culture expert Nancy Wang Yuen. The panel delved into the importance of addressing the dangers and mental health issues associated with social media, particularly among teenage girls.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate their post-royal life, they continue to embrace opportunities for meaningful engagement. While some speculate on their potential return to royal roles in light of Prince Charles's health concerns, royal aides have dismissed such notions, asserting that there is no path back to the royal fold for Prince Harry. Nonetheless, Meghan's search for a UK PR executive suggests a desire to strengthen her ties to Britain and further amplify her positive influence.
Amidst the ongoing health crisis within the royal family, with the monarch and the Princess of Wales currently recovering from medical procedures, the absence of working royals available for engagements has become more apparent. Prince Harry's visit to the UK to see his father, albeit brief due to the Queen's departure to Sandringham, highlighted the family's prioritization of supporting one another during challenging times.
As Meghan and Harry returned from Vancouver, Canada, where the Duke spoke about the upcoming Invictus Games, they continue to make their mark through various platforms. Meghan's involvement in the SXSW festival serves as a testament to her dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering a healthier society, both on and off our screens.
With the inclusion of distinguished guests like Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, and Nancy Wang Yuen, the SXSW festival celebrates the power of representation in media and entertainment. This year's event promises to be an essential destination for global professionals, offering a wide range of conferences, festivals, and discussions on relevant and transformative topics.
In the midst of their personal and professional endeavors, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry strive to make a positive impact on society, and their appearances at events like SXSW demonstrate their unwavering dedication to effecting meaningful change.
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