Meghan Markle has come under fire as Markus Anderson, a prominent royal observer and commentator, publicly slammed what he called her "fake PR stunt" at the recent Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week. Anderson didn't hold back, accusing Meghan of leveraging the event for self-promotion rather than genuine support for designer Pierpaolo Piccioli's debut collection.
The controversy stems from Meghan's much-publicized solo appearance at the Balenciaga show, where she wore a striking white cape ensemble and later changed into a sleek black dress. While Meghan's spokesperson insisted her visit was a heartfelt endorsement of Piccioli's new artistic chapter at the luxury fashion house—highlighting their years of collaboration—critics like Anderson paint a different picture.
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Anderson's critique also ties into broader skepticism about Meghan's fashion week appearances, suggesting she continuously tries to position herself as a glamorous influencer rather than focusing on her evolving royal and charitable roles. He emphasized that true fashion icons don't need to orchestrate stunts to be recognized but instead command attention through genuine style and presence—qualities he claims Meghan lacks.
Social media has supported Anderson to some extent, with many users sharing the viral videos of Meghan's awkward moments and the apparent PR missteps during the event. Detractors have accused her of “desperation” to remain relevant in elite circles, while supporters argue she is entitled to celebrate and promote designers she believes in.
The backlash intensified after Meghan faced widespread criticism for filming a video near the site of Princess Diana's fatal car crash in Paris during the same trip, adding fuel to the argument that some of her public gestures came off as tone-deaf or self-serving.
Despite the negative reports, Meghan's spokesperson maintained that her appearance was sincere, expressing admiration for Piccioli's craftsmanship and signaling the culmination of years of friendship and artistic collaboration.
Markus Anderson’s blunt dismissal of Meghan’s Balenciaga debut as a “fake PR stunt” adds fresh controversy to an already tumultuous public narrative surrounding the Duchess of Sussex, underlining how closely scrutinized and divisive she remains in both royal and fashion worlds. This episode highlights the ongoing struggle for Meghan to define her post-royal identity amid persistent skepticism and media storm.