Reportedly, when Meghan explained that she didn't have her ID on her, the employee bluntly responded that there would be no sale without ID. Witnesses say Meghan politely explained her identity and proximity to the store, but the cashier remained firm, stating "rules are rules, celebrity or not." As other customers noticed the commotion and began recording, the situation escalated. In a viral video, Meghan can be seen growing increasingly frustrated as the cashier refuses to budge. She exclaims, "Do you have any idea who I am? I'm the Duchess of Sussex for God's sake!" In a dramatic gesture, the cashier throws her employee ID card at Meghan, hitting her in the chest, and declares, "There, now you have ID, happy?" before storming off.
Due to privacy laws, the LCBO has not officially confirmed or commented on the incident, but the videos quickly spread online, sparking strong reactions. Some felt the cashier was out of line and disrespectful, while others praised her for adhering to store policy regardless of Meghan's celebrity status. Many discussions also centered on whether race played a role, given Meghan's status as a woman of color.
Sources close to Meghan say she was shaken up by the confrontation, never expecting such an aggressive response. Her security team believed the situation could have escalated dangerously. The incident reached Buckingham Palace, with reports indicating the Queen herself was furious over the treatment of her royal grandchild-in-law. She reportedly contacted the premier of Ontario to demand action.
In response to public and political pressure, the LCBO announced the cashier had been formally reprimanded and suspended without pay for two weeks. The aftermath stirred ongoing media frenzy and further polarized public opinion on Meghan. A recent poll found Canadians divided on whether the punishment was justified or too lenient, fueling debates around celebrity privilege and customer service standards.
As for the suspended cashier, she has remained silent, but the LCBO has received thousands of angry messages directed at her online. Some defend her actions, while others view her as ignorant or prejudiced. It's a complex issue with no easy answers, highlighting the importance of discretion and common sense alongside store policies. Ultimately, no one deserves aggressive treatment during a routine transaction.
