Instead of praising Meghan Markle for supporting sick kids, the online community is slamming the Duchess of Sussex for appearing “half naked” at a children’s charity gala.
Keep reading to learn why fans are so heated over Markle’s outfit!
While Prince Harry was in South Africa discussing the HIV/AIDS crisis, Meghan Markle made a surprise solo appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) 2024 Gala, a fundraising event that supports pediatric caregivers and patients.
According to the hospital’s website, the star-studded event – held once every two years –was hosted by actor Jon Cryer and TV personality Lisa Joyner. Honored guests included producer Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory) and former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard and his wife Bernadette.
Markle has a long-standing connection with CHLA and was “invited as a special guest.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex / Shutterstock.com
In an interview shared on social media, Markle, 43, describes the hospital as the “best place in the world” for children to receive treatment.
“Oh my goodness, the work they do at Children’s Hospital L.A. is otherworldy, and I think from my standpoint as a mother, no one wants to be in a position where you need to go to a place like this, but if you have to, the best place in the world you could go would be Children’s Hospital L.A.,” said the Duchess, who in her husband’s absence, walked the red carpet with her close friend Kelly McKee Zafjen.
On Instagram, Zafjen – whose daughter Lily is a former patient at the hospital – writes, “I was also beyond grateful to share in this beautiful evening with one of my closest friends. Meg, your commitment to supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and community is truly inspiring. I’m so grateful to have you by my side.”
‘Super inappropriate’
Unfortunately, the public was not as kind as Zafjen and many fans failed to acknowledge the mother of two’s philanthropic efforts.
Markle showed up at the event with her locks effortlessly flowing over her toned shoulders, which were highlighted by the same strappy red Carolina Herrera gown – minus the dramatic train – that she previously wore.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala 2024 at JW Marriott LA Live on October 05, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles)
She wore the bold red gown with a daring neckline in 2021 when she appeared alongside Prince Harry at the Salute to Freedom Gala in New York, and fans were not impressed.
“This is pretty bad, at least she recycles,” writes one netizen. A second offers their opinion on why Markle repurposed the dress: “Obviously she is out of money. She can longer afford new clothes. This dress she’s worn before with the big skirt…We criticized it then and we are criticizing it now.”
Many people glossed over the dress resurfacing and instead cast their judgements on her style, suggesting the gown was too risky for a children’s event.
One cyber user asks, “Why is she half naked at every opportunity in places where less skin is appropriate?” A second writes “this is a terrible fitting dress. Super inappropriate for this event as well. Get a new stylist and mirror.”
A third offers, “The dress is not appropriate for that event. And she looks sick. Dress like a duchess.”
Meanwhile, others suggest Markle made an appearance for some attention from the media.
“She was only there to support herself, trying to look relevant,” says one fan, while a second adds, “She doesn’t care, [it’s] all about publicity.”
A third notes, “She didn’t come to a charity children’s event, as always for the paparazzi.”
But not everyone was slamming the duchess.
Others said she “is such a natural beauty” and looked “absolutely stunning.”
“She could save a group of children from a burning building and a certain group of people would still say something negative about her. Strange,” adds another user.
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