Meghan reveals experiencing ‘hateful’ and ‘cruel’ abuse during her pregnancy | UK News
The Duchess of Sussex shared that she faced “hateful” abuse on social media during her pregnancies, describing it as “cruel”.
During a panel at the SXSW Conference for International Women’s Day in Texas, Meghan discussed how she coped with the constant negativity online.
She explained that she now distances herself from social media “for my wellbeing”, but mentioned that the worst bullying and abuse occurred while she was pregnant with Archie and Lilibet.
With Prince Harry in the audience, Meghan reflected on the cruelty of the comments she received, especially during such a vulnerable time as pregnancy.
She added, “You could succumb to it, or nearly succumb to how painful that is.
“Or maybe because I was pregnant that mammalian instinct just kicks in to do everything you can to protect your child and as a result protect yourself too.”
Prince Archie was born in May 2019, while Princess Lilibet was born in California in June 2021 after the Sussexes moved to the US.
Harry watched the keynote speech from the front row. Pic: Reuters
Meghan participated in a panel at the event, labelled as a “visionary female leader,” alongside actress Brooke Shields, 58.
She emphasized the importance of using one’s voice to advocate for what is right, recalling her own experience at the age of 11 when she campaigned to change a sexist advert.
Despite the challenges of social media, Meghan noted the impact of standing up for what is right and using your voice effectively.
Referring to her past role in a film, Shields humorously remarked, “This is one of the ways we’re different – when I was 11 I was playing a prostitute.”
Read more:
Prince Edward wipes away tears after wife’s speech
Kate’s ‘bad uncle’ talks Harry and Meghan
On a previous occasion, Meghan revealed that she was the world’s most trolled person in 2019.
Discussing the impact on her mental health on a podcast for World Mental Health Day, she described the experience as “so damaging” and overwhelming.
“I wasn’t even visible, I was on maternity leave with the baby – but what was able to be manufactured and churned out, it’s almost unsurvivable, it’s so big you can’t even think what that feels like,” she shared.
