Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have often faced strong opinions from the public eye. Meghan directly addressed this issue on Friday, criticizing the culture of bullying on social media.
Speaking at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, Meghan emphasized the need for a change in how people treat each other online, stating, “We have forgotten about our humanity, and that has got to change.”
Both Meghan and Harry have expressed concerns about the negative impact of media attention on their lives, both during their time as active members of the royal family and after stepping back in 2020.
Meghan revealed that she faced a significant amount of online abuse, particularly during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet, as well as in the months following their births.
Meghan shared that she now keeps her distance from negative online comments for her own well-being, describing some of the remarks as “hateful” and “cruel.”
Discussing the harmful impact of social media, Meghan highlighted how platforms incentivize harmful behavior, leading to negative effects on mental health.
The couple has also faced challenges with their physical safety, such as being pursued by photographers in New York.
Harry and Meghan have dealt with legal battles against British tabloids, with Harry recently winning damages for phone hacking. They are not the only royals facing intense media scrutiny.
Speculation about the royal family’s well-being has been heightened, especially after King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis and Princess Catherine’s surgery.
Meghan expressed her concern about women spreading hate towards other women online, questioning why such negativity is being shared and perpetuated.
