Meghan Markle Faces Intense Backlash After SXSW Appearance Announcement

Meghan Markle

As health issues continue to plague senior members of the British royal family, a bit of positive news recently shined through: Meghan Markle will serve as a keynote speaker for the 2024 SXSW Conference. Or at least, it was good news until the online backlash occurred.

On Monday, March 4, SXSW (South by Southwest)—a conference held each year in Austin, Texas, focusing on film, music, tech, education and more—revealed the Duchess of Sussex as one of its featured speakers.

"Announcing our final Keynote Session for the 2024 #SXSW Conference!" the official Instagram account shared. "On March 8, International Women’s Day, join Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, @katiecouric, @brookeshields, nancywyuen, and Errin Haines (@emarvelous) for a conversation on breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and working toward a healthier society on and off our screens."

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In the comments, many Instagram users were less than thrilled about Prince Harry's wife appearing at the conference. One person wrote, "Why? Meghan contributes nothing but empty words," while another declared, "Grifter! It’s a pass for me."

Another person snarked, "Will she discuss how she is a narcissist?"

Meanwhile, someone else commented, "??what a joke ??," and another predicted, "lol….vapid blather guaranteed??."

It's worth noting that some Instagram users seemed genuinely excited about the chance to listen to the former Suits actress speak.

One person wrote, "How nice it is to listen to Duchess Meghan and the other women on International Women's Day, perfect ??," while another commented, "What a phenomenal panel and excited to see Meghan in ATX. ??????."

Yet another Instagram user chimed in with, "Those of you forgetting, she has been in philanthropy long before *harry*."

In addition to Markle, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, Errin Haines and Nancy Wang Yuen, other 2024 SXSW Conference keynote speakers include: Lisa Su with Ryan Patel, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, Sue Bird and Jessica Robertson, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Jack Conte, and Tracy Chou and Deonne Castaneda.

Next: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle May Have Broke Royal Tradition by Giving Children New Last Names