In a dramatic turn of events at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, actress Brooke Shields didn’t hold back in her criticism of Meghan Markle, the former actress and self-styled Duchess of Sussex.
During a keynote panel on Monday, Shields labeled Meghan a “yacht girl” and a “prostitute,” suggesting that she had leveraged relationships with affluent men to boost her career and lifestyle.
This fiery exchange ignited after the two women reportedly had a confrontation at a party earlier in the festival, where tensions had been simmering for some time.
Eyewitnesses described a charged atmosphere at the party, which featured a star-studded guest list, including fashion mogul Donatella Versace and music icons John Legend and Annie Lennox.
Instead of exchanging pleasantries, Shields and Markle were said to have exchanged sharp glares, highlighting the animosity brewing between them.
Shields, known for her candid nature, didn’t shy away from confronting Meghan about her past, using terms that left many in shock.
The term “yacht girl” carries a heavy implication, often associated with women who are compensated for their company on lavish yachts, sometimes in exchange for sual favors.
By using this phrase, Shields made it clear she believes Meghan’s rise to fame was tainted by questionable choices.
The accusations escalated as Shields branded Meghan a prostitute, insinuating that she had commodified herself for fame and financial gain.
Meghan, visibly taken aback by the vitriol directed at her, attempted to defend her character against Shields’ barrage of insults.
However, Shields pressed on, accusing Meghan of being deceitful and self-absorbed, claiming she had betrayed both the British royal family and the public.
Shields expressed skepticism towards Meghan’s previous claims of facing racism and isolation, particularly those shared during her high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Shields went so far as to accuse Meghan of attempting to dismantle the monarchy while simultaneously playing the victim, all while enjoying a life of luxury in a mansion and securing lucrative deals with companies like Netflix and Spotify.
The tension reached a boiling point, drawing the attention of other guests who were split in their reactions; some praised Shields for her boldness, while others criticized her for what they viewed as unwarranted rudeness.
As the confrontation escalated, security personnel intervened, separating the two women and escorting them out of the venue.
The following day, both Shields and Meghan found themselves on the same stage again for the opening keynote panel, aptly titled “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives.” Moderated by Erin Haines, the discussion was meant to focus on women’s representation in media and entertainment, but the underlying tension between the two overshadowed the event.
During the panel, the audience was acutely aware of the drama that had unfolded the night before.
Some attendees booed Meghan, while others cheered for Shields, creating a palpable divide in the room.
Shields chose to concentrate on the discussion at hand, sharing her experiences as a mother and her journey through the entertainment industry, including insights from her upcoming memoir and television project.
On the other hand, Meghan attempted to pivot the conversation toward her own narrative, promoting her controversial Netflix deal alongside Prince Harry.
She also addressed bizarre rumors surrounding her children, Archie and Lilibet, attempting to dispel conspiracy theories that questioned their very existence.
Despite the intention behind the panel, it became clear that personal grievances had infiltrated the professional discourse.
The audience’s mixed reactions only fueled the awkwardness, as both women navigated their respective narratives amidst the backdrop of their public feud.
What was intended to be a platform for empowerment and dialogue instead became a stage for unresolved conflict, leaving many wondering how this clash will affect both women’s public images moving forward.
The fallout from this encounter is likely to reverberate beyond SXSW, as fans and critics alike continue to dissect the implications of their heated exchange.