Meghan Markle is still under scrutiny after an outfit that she wore when she visited survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attacks was featured on AI fashion platform OneOff.
Critics deemed the promotion inappropriate given the tragic context. This has now led to the removal of the picture.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to be positive about their recent trip in Australia, despite the backlash.
Meghan Markle’s Outfit Sparks Backlash
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Meghan reportedly had an outfit of hers that she wore recently removed from a fashion platform powered by AI after criticism about its timing and context.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 44, was featured on the website OneOff. It highlighted the exact outfit that she wore when she visited survivors and first responders in connection with the Bondi terror attacks in Australia.
The listing was met with criticism, as critics claimed it was inappropriate to promote a fashion line linked to a tragic event.
Meghan and Prince Harry, 41 met with lifeguards, as well as individuals who were affected by the attack on December 14, which left 15 dead and dozens of injured.
The couple spent time with survivors at the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club. Jessica Chapnik Kahn later described their encounter as “an honor.”
OneOff published an image of the couple walking with surf lifesavers, highlighting Meghan’s outfit.
The look included pieces from a variety of brands, including a striped t-shirt by Matteau, jeans from Rollas and accessories by labels such as P Johnson Femme and Scanlan theodore.
Experts Accuse The Duchess of ‘Hijacking,’ The Tragedy Then ‘Commercializing,’ It
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The online response was swift. Commentators accused Meghan to monetizing an important occasion.
Tom Sykes, in his Substack Newsletter, criticized the move. He said it was inappropriate to profit from clothing that was worn during a visit linked to a deadly terrorist attack.
“Selling her own clothes at the scene of a massacre in which 15 people died may come easy to Meghan. But, like any right-minded individual, I find this disgusting,” he wrote.
He also cited an ex-Buckingham Palace employee who described the promotion in a disrespectful manner. “To hijack and then commercialize it this way is not only hugely disrespectful but also unbelievably naive,” he said.
Richard Palmer expressed similar concerns and suggested that the situation was “perhaps the starkest yet example of Harry and Meghan’s efforts to commercialize the royal brand.”
He said that even though the couple no long represents the monarchy, their actions still reflect on the institution and “may eventually prompt further discussion as to whether there is a necessity to strip them of royal titles now that the King has demonstrated it in effect with Andrew.”
OneOff Removes Meghan Markle Outfit Post After Backlash
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After the criticism, the platform replaced the original photo with a different one of Meghan taken earlier that day. It showed her alone in the exact same outfit.
Meghan is listed as an investor and is said to receive a commission from OneOff.
Her profile includes numerous outfits that she wore during her Australia trip. Her wardrobe for the trip is estimated to be worth almost $100,000.
Some claim that Meghan and Harry, by combining paid appearances with business opportunities, may have earned close to $10 million in Australia.
Meghan shared a video on April 19 that captured the couple’s arrival in California. They were welcomed by a banner saying “Welcome home”.
She also posted photos of items brought back to Australia, including gifts such as Tim Tams and sweets for their children.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Stay Positive After Australia Trip
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Sources say that despite the controversy, the couple was happy with their four-day trip and considered it a success.
They attended private events, but also included engagements that highlighted Indigenous culture, sporting activities, and a trip to a national memorial. These are elements usually associated with official royal tours.
Express reported that an insider said Prince Harry felt reassured after the trip, believing that public sentiment was shifting in their favor.
They expected some criticism but were encouraged by “the overall reception they received from general public, and the causes that they supported was incredible.”
The Duke and Duchess still care about working closely with the Monarchy
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Harry is said to believe that the experience has reinforced his belief that he, Meghan and their new public role, which blends independence with influence on a global scale, will be a success. He is said to be hopeful that his evolving approach will “impresse” the royals.
There are also indications that Harry is open to repairing the relationship he has with his father King Charles III.
Insiders say he believes it is important to work together more closely, especially in light of the ongoing scrutiny surrounding monarchy.
The Blast first published The Meghan Markle’s outfit worn to visit Bondi Beach terror attack survivors was pulled from the website after backlash.
