Meghan Markle is finding herself entangled in yet another controversy following her recent appearances at Paris Fashion Week.
The Duchess of Sussex, who was spotted front and center at the Balenciaga show, is being criticized for her apparent laughter following a model’s misstep on the runway, leading to a series of awkward moments that seem to overshadow her fashion aspirations.
A newly released video appears to show Meghan laughing as a model takes a tumble while strutting down the catwalk, positioned right next to her stoic companion.
Despite a steady stream of criticism, Meghan’s camp insists her laughter wasn’t directed at the fallen model.
However, eyewitnesses have pointed out that her reaction seemed out of sync with the otherwise composed audience, which maintained a somber demeanor throughout the show.
In another moment caught on camera, Meghan attempted to engage in a conversation with British actress Kristin Scott Thomas, only to be met with apparent disinterest as Thomas turned her back, leaving Meghan in an uncomfortable pause.
This fleeting interaction raised eyebrows, considering Thomas’s previous connections with the royal family, including her role in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral where she played a character who marries Prince Charles.
This fashion endeavor marks Meghan’s first significant attempt at making an impression in the high-fashion realm.
Yet, it seems the experience has been marred by a series of mishaps.
Just a day before, Meghan stirred controversy by posting an Instagram story showing her feet resting on the leather seats of a minivan.
This happened on a route that parallels the infamous path taken by her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, on the night of her tragic car accident in 1997.
Critics have described the post as “utterly bewildering,” noting that it seemed insensitive considering the circumstances surrounding Diana’s death.
To compound the awkwardness, Meghan was seen sharing a brief kiss with Balenciaga’s designer, Pierpaolo Piccioli, but the interaction took an unforeseen turn when she seemingly bumped heads with him while attempting to greet him.
During the Balenciaga show, Meghan’s behavior on the front row drew mixed reactions.
Observers noted her over-the-top reactions, where she gasped, giggled, and then quickly altered her expression when her friend maintained a poker face.
Social media users quickly pointed out that her laughter appeared distinct and unusual compared to the rest of the attendees, who sat in respectful silence.
Charlo Griffiths, a royal commentator, weighed in on Meghan’s demeanor, suggesting she seemed somewhat out of her depth.
“She appeared nervous and out of place among the fashion elite,” she noted during her segment on GB News, adding that Meghan’s laughter in response to the model’s fall contrasted starkly with the audience’s muted reactions.
As social media erupted with mixed opinions, many wondered what was going through Meghan’s mind.
Was she genuinely caught up in the excitement of High Fashion?
Or did she overlook the gravity of her situation entirely?
A representative for Meghan firmly stated that she was not mocking the model, attempting to clarify the misunderstanding that arose from the viral video.
The awkward moments didn’t stop there.
Meghan’s grand entrance, clad in her striking Balenciaga ensemble, was met with a jibe that likened her strut to that of the iconic character Zoolander, known for his obliviousness.
Critics seemed split, with some calling her performance self-centric, while others praised her elegance and style as she navigated the runway press.
Adding yet another layer to the controversy, Meghan’s appearance at the Balenciaga show was scrutinized due to the brand’s previous scandal involving insensitive advertising.
Many questioned how she could support the brand, given its contentious past, further complicating her portrayal as an advocate for children and family values.
Despite the barrage of criticism, Meghan seemed to move on, sharing other glamorous snippets from her French escapade that showcased a different, more fun side of her trip—one filled with haute cuisine and scenic landmarks.
Yet, the original missteps lingered in the public’s consciousness.
Amid the fashion chaos, Meghan’s interactions with other stars also caught attention, particularly with those who have strong ties to the royal family.
It remains to be seen whether these pronounced blunders will affect her image in the fashion world or if these moments will merely become footnotes in her ongoing narrative.
As she continues to navigate her royal and fashion journeys, the world watches closely, awaiting her next move.