The first alleged misrepresentation dates back to September 2012, when Nike gifted Markle some athletic gear. She captioned a post with "Let the training begin #LAMarathon2013," suggesting she was registered to run the 2013 Los Angeles Marathon. However, her name does not appear in any official race records, including under any variations or nicknames. While it's possible to run under a pseudonym, it seems unlikely given her public announcement of training just seven months later.
The second discrepancy involves Markle's claimed participation in the New York Road Runners' "Run for the Parks" 4K race in 2013. This race was organized to benefit Central Park’s upkeep and honor the victims of the Boston Marathon attack, with participants wearing bibs reading "RUN for Boston." Markle posted a photo with the caption "New York I love you so much #MorningRun #RunForBoston #CentralPark," implying she took part in the event. However, her name does not appear in the official race records. Additionally, the photo she shared seems to be cropped from someone else's image, lacking the typical race day features like spectators, barricades, or athletic clothing.
Following these revelations, it's likely that Nike will reconsider sending Markle any more free gear. The athletic giant, which gifted Markle gear in 2012, may be rethinking its generosity after discovering that its brand was featured in misleading social media posts. Nike values authenticity and integrity, and being associated with fabricated claims could damage its reputation. As a result, Markle's chances of receiving future gifts from the company appear slim.
These allegations are not the first time Markle has been accused of exploiting events for personal gain. The Redditor also draws comparisons to Markle's appearances at the Grenfell Tower fire site and the Uvalde tragedy. In the Grenfell case, where a devastating fire left hundreds displaced, Markle reportedly used the tragedy for personal exposure. Although the women of Grenfell had already established a communal kitchen and were publishing a cookbook to raise funds, Markle allegedly swooped in, wrote a foreword, and issued press releases implying the cookbook was her idea. Critics argue this act only served to boost her own publicity.
Similarly, after the Uvalde school shooting, Markle reportedly arrived hours after the attack with cameras in tow, releasing positive statements to various publications. Critics argued that her visit seemed more focused on self-promotion than genuine compassion, as she arrived at an active crime scene while local politicians and prominent figures waited for official statements.
These incidents contribute to a troubling portrayal of Meghan Markle as someone willing to fabricate or exaggerate her involvement in events for personal gain. From falsely claiming participation in marathons and races to allegedly exploiting tragedies, Markle's actions have drawn significant criticism.
