Meghan attended the event and publicly expressed her pride in participating, as reported by People magazine. However, it's important to note that she was not included on the official guest list. Insiders close to the event have disclosed that Meghan's uninvited presence had the unintended consequence of diminishing the impact of the Women's Gala. The gathering was attended by Hollywood A-listers and accomplished individuals, creating a stark contrast with Meghan, a former actress married to Prince Harry.
According to sources, Meghan walked the event's red carpet with her security team, not adhering to typical red carpet etiquette. She attempted to draw attention to herself among the crowd of celebrities, but the reaction from attendees was far from positive. One source stated that there were internal discussions at WME regarding Meghan's presence at the event.
Even with professional styling and other efforts, Meghan's appearance did not resonate well with the attendees. Leonardo DiCaprio, in particular, seemed unaware of the situation and referred to Meghan's presence as an "ambush," but he couldn't help but laugh at her apparent desire for attention. Some attendees reportedly viewed Meghan as something of a joke, and her behavior on the red carpet, such as not moving when asked to make way for other celebrities, added to that perception.
Interestingly, no prominent individuals at the event took photos with Meghan, further highlighting her isolated presence. Additionally, some attendees expressed concerns about being recorded by Meghan, as they feared she might use any footage for her own gain, potentially through deals with platforms like Netflix.
During the event itself, Meghan appeared focused on the program and did not engage in conversations with those at her table. Despite being photographed with notable female figures in the industry, Meghan's uninvited attendance drew attention for all the wrong reasons.
This incident comes on the heels of warnings that Meghan should not expect special treatment in Hollywood, regardless of her previous royal status. Branding expert and crisis manager Erica Shiffer emphasized that solo appearances by Meghan reveal much about her journey in the past year and her reception in the industry.
In Hollywood, it seems that being a duchess or a doorman doesn't grant any special privileges—everyone is judged on their own merits. Meghan's uninvited presence at the Variety event has sparked discussions about her approach to her public appearances and how she navigates her newfound Hollywood career.
