The office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a statement to clarify her remarks regarding Meghan Markle's choice of attire during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent visit to the African country.
According to a statement released to AFP Fact Check on May 30th, the First Lady did not intend to critique or criticize Meghan's dressing sense. The statement reads, "She meant Meghan appreciates the people we are and hence her coming here. At no point did she say anything about Meghan's dressing."
It is important to note that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nigeria from May 10th to May 12th at the invitation of the country's highest-ranking military official. During their trip, the former Suits actress garnered significant media attention for her stylish appearances at various events.
As Meghan and Harry departed Nigeria, a speech by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu began circulating in the media. In her remarks, the First Lady had commented on the "culture of 'nakedness' in America," stating, "We are not having the Met Gala . . . We don't accept nakedness in our culture."
She further added, "It is not beautiful at all . . . They are mimicking and trying to emulate film stars from America. They don't know where they come from. Why did Meghan come here, looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with. We know who we are, and don't lose who you are."
Several media outlets subsequently reported that the Nigerian First Lady was criticizing Meghan's fashion choices during her visit to the country. However, the latest statement from the First Lady's office clarifies that her comments were not directed at the Duchess of Sussex's attire, but rather a broader observation about cultural differences.
As the royal couple's interactions with the Nigerian government and its representatives continue to be analyzed, this latest clarification seeks to address any potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations surrounding the First Lady's remarks.
