Meghan Markle’s recent effort to assist a wildfire-affected teenager has ignited controversy, with critics accusing her of “performative activism.”
The debate began after Meghan took to social media to showcase her role in helping a teenage wildfire victim recover a lost Billie Eilish T-shirt. To do so, she reportedly leveraged her celebrity connections to secure the merchandise, a move that has drawn skepticism. Some questioned whether it was a heartfelt act of kindness or a carefully crafted public relations effort.
Media Backlash
British columnist Jan Moir, writing for The Daily Mail, was among those criticizing Meghan, dubbing her the “Marie Antoinette of Montecito.” While acknowledging the good intentions behind the gesture, Moir argued that Meghan’s need for public validation overshadowed the act itself.
“This time around, Meghan was in a strange mood—excited, breathless, exhilarated—patting her heart and her head with the thrill of it all,” Moir wrote, questioning the Duchess’s level of enthusiasm.
She also pointed out that obtaining a Billie Eilish T-shirt was neither a difficult nor extraordinary task, as the merchandise is easily available online. Instead of simply purchasing one, Meghan allegedly reached out to her A-list network to liaise with the singer directly—a step Moir deemed unnecessary.
A Pattern of Scrutiny
Despite acknowledging Meghan’s kind intentions, Moir noted a recurring pattern in public perception: “Yet despite these noble intentions, Meghan—and Harry, too—have an unerring ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”
The criticism feeds into a broader debate surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s philanthropic work, with some questioning whether their initiatives are rooted in genuine humanitarianism or carefully curated for public image.
