Chris O'Dowd stole the spotlight on The Graham Norton Show when the conversation unexpectedly shifted to Meghan Markle. The Irish actor, known for his sharp wit and no-nonsense humor, didn’t hold back as he dismissed the idea of Meghan being in the same league as global icons.
O'Dowd took particular issue with the way Meghan presents herself as a mentor figure, drawing a stark contrast between her and Beyoncé. According to him, Meghan’s self-perceived influence and grandiosity don’t even come close to the impact of true cultural legends. His blunt assessment left the audience visibly intrigued, as he made it clear that he finds her approach insufferable.
The moment sparked immediate reactions, with O'Dowd emphasizing that his admiration for real cultural icons like Beyoncé is based on their undeniable talent, hard work, and genuine contributions to their industries. When Meghan’s name was brought up in the same context, his response was swift and direct:
"I don’t see her anywhere close to my idols."
At first, some thought he might be referring to Prince Harry, but it quickly became clear that he was taking a direct swipe at Meghan. His frustration with her tendency to insert herself into elite spaces—without what he sees as the credibility to back it up—was unmistakable.
O'Dowd went even further, highlighting how Beyoncé has earned her status through decades of dedication, artistry, and influence, whereas Meghan’s attempts to position herself as a guiding force in Hollywood and beyond feel contrived and unearned. He pointed out that while Beyoncé’s mentorship carries real weight, Meghan’s version often comes off as self-serving and hollow.
His words resonated with many who have become increasingly skeptical of Meghan’s Hollywood aspirations, especially given how her past projects have struggled to gain traction. This wasn’t the first time a celebrity has publicly dismissed Meghan’s self-importance, but O'Dowd’s remarks stood out for their brutal honesty. His comments also echoed sentiments from industry insiders who have questioned whether Meghan truly has the influence she believes she does.
The discussion on The Graham Norton Show took a humorous yet undeniably pointed tone, with O'Dowd making it clear that he wasn’t buying into the Meghan Markle hype. The audience reacted with a mix of laughter and murmurs, a sign that he had voiced something many were thinking but hesitant to say.
Meghan’s public image has long been a topic of debate, especially as she continues to seek a place in elite social and entertainment circles. O'Dowd’s blunt commentary underscored a growing sentiment that her attempts at rebranding feel increasingly desperate. While she has aligned herself with high-profile figures to establish credibility, her lack of organic success in Hollywood remains a glaring issue.
The comparisons to Beyoncé only made the contrast more apparent, as O'Dowd illustrated the fundamental difference between genuine stardom and manufactured influence. What made his takedown even more impactful was his refusal to sugarcoat his opinion—a rare and refreshingly candid take in an industry often dominated by carefully curated narratives.
