Los Angeles recently buzzed with excitement over the *This Is About Humanity* 6th anniversary celebration, but one notable name was glaringly absent: Meghan Markle. The event featured a star-studded guest list including Lauren Sanchez, Eva Longoria, Jordana Brewster, Julianne Hough, MJ Rodriguez, Henry Winkler, Sofia Gomez, K. Del Castillo, Carolina Bordon and others. However, Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, were notably missing.
The gala honored Florence as Ria for her exceptional contributions to TIAH's food relief initiatives, which provide over a million meals annually. Yet, the real drama unfolded behind the scenes, away from the red carpet's glitz and glamour.
Founded in 2018 by Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reus, and Yolanda Selena Wala, *This Is About Humanity* focuses on addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by family separation in border cities. The event showcased a roster of impeccably dressed women, a stark contrast to what many imagined Meghan Markle might have looked like if she had attended. Speculation about how Meghan would have stood out among such a perfectly styled crowd is inevitable.
Last year, Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, attended the event and mingled with high-profile figures like Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian. Photos of Ragland’s previous attendance show her enjoying the company of the Kardashians and Jenners, highlighting her place within that elite social circle. Recently, Kris Jenner shared on social media a jar of Meghan Markle's latest venture, her lifestyle brand's American Riviera Orchard Jam. Jenner’s post, noting that she was the 13th recipient of the jam, sparked a flurry of social media commentary. Critics questioned the quality of the jam and the authenticity of Jenner’s endorsement, calling the product a “lemon” and criticizing Markle’s dwindling social standing.
The real twist comes courtesy of Lauren Sanchez, girlfriend of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. According to reports, Sanchez orchestrated a plan to sideline Markle from the soirée. Feeling slighted by Markle’s growing media presence, Sanchez allegedly concocted a scheme to divert Meghan's attention. Last year, Sanchez reportedly offered Meghan and Harry a private jet to attend a movie premiere in Jamaica, specifically to ensure they missed the Beverly Hills event. Unbeknownst to Meghan, this was part of Sanchez's elaborate ruse.
The Sussexes boarded the jet but faced a chilly reception at the premiere of *Bob Marley: One Love* at Kingston’s Carib Theater. They encountered hostile reactions from the film’s producers, stars, and some local Jamaicans who accused them of disrespecting Jamaican culture and Bob Marley’s legacy. What was meant to be a glamorous escape turned into a public relations disaster, leaving Meghan and Harry humiliated.
Reports suggest that Sanchez's maneuver was a calculated move to ensure Hollywood could enjoy an uninterrupted evening of celebration free from the disruptive presence of the Sussexes. The Times later revealed that the Sussexes’ flight to Jamaica was actually arranged by Paramount Pictures, the production company behind the biopic.
Sanchez's devious maneuver highlights a growing trend of celebrities finding creative ways to handle unwanted guests. Meghan Markle’s absence from the *This Is About Humanity* soirée speaks volumes, whether it was Sanchez’s Machiavellian plotting or shifting social dynamics. Meghan’s missing presence at the event underscores the often treacherous and evolving landscape of celebrity social circles, as she finds herself increasingly on the outside looking in with her reputation taking yet another hit in an ongoing public saga.