Meghan Markle’s visit to a wildfire-ravaged Los Angeles community has sparked controversy, with conservative commentator Candace Owens leading the charge. Owens ridiculed Markle’s efforts during a TikTok video that quickly went viral.
In her clip, Owens quipped, “She stooped down and picked up the lid of a plastic bin. That’s how I knew my girl was real. It’s very helpful for her to stoop down and do that.”
Owens didn’t stop there. In a statement to Newsweek, she accused Meghan and Harry of being “inauthentic ambulance chasers,” echoing a sentiment that resonates with some conservative Americans.
@candaceoshow BREAKING: Meghan Markle Took OFF The Lid of a PLASTIC Bin!
♬ original sound – CANDACE
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited areas impacted by the devastating wildfires, engaging with residents and speaking to volunteers from World Central Kitchen. They were also seen touring neighborhoods alongside Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
A reporter highlighted Meghan’s small but symbolic gesture of lifting a bin lid during their visit. The comment became a focal point of Owens’ critique, who sarcastically remarked:
“If there are any plastic bins that need picking up, Meghan Markle is your girl. People don’t need photo ops—they need food, shelter, and support.”
The backlash highlights an ongoing rift between the Sussexes and conservative Americans, a pattern reminiscent of their strained relationship with royal traditionalists in Britain.
Political analyst Robert Hanson explained:
“There’s a growing perception among conservatives that Meghan and Harry’s public appearances lack authenticity. They’re seen as trying too hard to align themselves with causes without meaningful action.”
However, others argue the criticism is unwarranted. A local volunteer defended the couple:
“They took the time to listen to us and shine a light on the devastation. That matters.”
Owens also targeted Markle’s decision to delay her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, originally slated for January. Owens mocked the show’s premise:
“Meghan thought it wasn’t the right time to release a series where she cooks in her mansion with her fabulous friends while disaster victims are homeless. How thoughtful.”
The series, now set for release on March 4, showcases Markle cooking recipes inspired by her life.
The debate has lit up social media. Owens’ TikTok clip received over 550,000 views and 27,000 likes, with comments divided:
- “Candace is hilarious, but the constant Meghan bashing feels petty.”
- “This is classic Meghan—show up, pose, and leave. She could’ve donated instead.”
The controversy underscores a deeper cultural divide, with Meghan Markle serving as a lightning rod for debates about celebrity activism. As wildfires continue to devastate California, the spotlight remains on how public figures can best contribute to relief efforts.
For now, Markle and Harry’s wildfire visit may have fueled more criticism than goodwill. Whether they can shift public perception remains to be seen.
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I agree with candace
YES! Stop wasting the taxpayers’ money on ILLEGALS and spend it on FIRE PREVENTION !!!
Are any of you going out to help or just going to run other people down?
How T R I T E !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
People are so damn critical and snarky! While she may not be my favorite person, give her and everyone a break and back off!! You obviously have NOT been through a Fire and lost everything. It was comforting knowing that there were people who cared regardless of how much they helped or donated! Don’t you have anything better to do than criticize “your girl”!!!
One last comment: Regardless of who the people were that lost their homes, family members and pets, it is still DEVASTATING! Some of those famous people or actors worked for their possessions, some have more than others, some older homes they once afforded and are now just keeping things up. Rich and Famous isn’t always what we think it is!!!
I have been One of Meghan’s biggest critic since about the first two minutes out of the Suits studio hanging on Harry like he was the biggest fishing trophy ever found! And this is difficult (a bit!)
This Article, while possibly accurate, seems brutal!
I’m sure Candace you were rather accurate about the garbage can lid, but try to give her some room to not dance to your tune! There is not one person alive in the real world that has a thought process exactly like any one else’s! We can’t all be the deepest thinkers and do every thing exactly right enough for everyone’s favor! Keep in mind that from the very beginning, she has been fawned over and oohed and awe’d since her dreams have all come true. And those who weren’t in love with her were hard on her! I’m along way away from loving her, but I would hesitate to humiliate her in public I am not sure how she lived as a child, teen into her early adulthood, but I’m willing to bet no one raised her to be a Royal Princess! Royal children pop out being trained how to be!
Think about how much hate she has to digest! I know she gets a lot of love and consideration! But personally, one nice comment or compliment can’t possibly fix even one nasty, hateful comment!
Think about how confused and pained she must be very single time she goes out and gets put in the cross hairs of haters and fanatic followers! It has to be dizzingly! And hard to understand all the hate! I can’t believe she has much of any self confidence or self respect! I’m pretty sure that any aire of privilege she walks around with, except for the expensive clothes, shoes and assessoraries are most likely what give her the most personal self respect! Not minimizing Harry, her kids. But it has to be a struggle!
And most of us see how shallow what she does is often, but nastiness is unwarranted! I seriously don’t believe she could cook a middle class meal on a budget like our middle class and that’s not even speaking to the poor and homeless! Fortunately, she shouldn’t ever have to, but in that regard I feel sorry for her!
One more point and I’ll quit rambling!
Candace, how can you possibly know that Meghan had not donated? That was a really low blow! I don’t believe she’s a bad person, but even bad people are/have been known to do good things for others!