Meghan Markle is back in the headlines, and once again, it’s for all the wrong reasons. This time, the Duchess of Sussex has managed to squeeze herself into a project celebrating black women, directed by her longtime friend Tyler Perry. The project, which features icons like Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, and Queen Latifah, is meant to honor black excellence and empowerment. But Meghan’s inclusion has left many scratching their heads, wondering how she ended up in the mix alongside these trailblazing women.
The project, titled BLK WMN, is a heartfelt montage showcasing the contributions of black women throughout history. From Nina Simone to Kamala Harris, the tribute highlights the achievements of both legendary figures and everyday women making a difference. It’s a powerful celebration of black culture and resilience—until Meghan Markle appears in the lineup.
The image used for Meghan? The same heavily airbrushed photo from her failed Archetypes podcast. Critics were quick to point out the irony of a multi-millionaire duchess, who leveraged her royal title for a Spotify deal she couldn’t even fulfill, being featured in a tribute to black empowerment. For many, her inclusion felt less like a genuine celebration and more like an opportunistic PR move.
Tyler Perry shared the promotional clip for BLK WMN on Instagram, and while the post received an outpouring of positive comments, one thing was glaringly obvious: no one seemed to care that Meghan was in it. She was like the uninvited guest who sneaks into a VIP party, hoping no one notices. But people did notice—and they weren’t impressed.
Meghan’s inclusion in the project has reignited debates about her relationship with her black identity. Critics argue that she only embraces her heritage when it’s convenient, using it as a tool to stay relevant. “She’s never actually said, ‘I’m black,’” one commenter pointed out. “Instead, she throws around vague statements like, ‘I wasn’t treated as black until I went to the UK.’ What does that even mean?”
Meghan’s critics accuse her of playing the race card to deflect criticism and maintain her public image. They argue that she’s a master of wordplay, carefully crafting narratives that allow her to benefit from ambiguity. “She’s a woman of color, sure,” one critic noted. “But so are 80% of the world’s women. That doesn’t make her a trailblazer—it makes her an opportunist.”
The timing of Meghan’s appearance in the project is also raising eyebrows. After weeks of radio silence, she seems to be launching a full-blown PR blitz, with the BLK WMN feature being just the beginning. Observers predict that this is the start of a calculated effort to regain public favor, with more puff pieces, merchandise, and grandstanding on the horizon.
Meghan’s relationship with Tyler Perry has long been a topic of speculation. The filmmaker famously offered his Los Angeles mansion to Harry and Meghan when they stepped back from royal duties, and he’s now the godfather to their son, Archie. But critics argue that Meghan didn’t choose Perry for his moral wisdom or deep connections to black culture—she chose him for his money, influence, and ability to keep her relevant in black circles.
“There’s nothing about Meghan that makes her worthy of this kind of recognition,” one critic stated. “She wasn’t a star before she married into the royal family, she didn’t break barriers, and she certainly hasn’t contributed anything meaningful to black culture. Instead, she’s managed to burn bridges with her own family, Harry’s family, Hollywood, and now even her Spotify bosses.”
Meghan’s critics argue that her relationship with her black identity is inconsistent at best. While she’s quick to embrace her heritage when it suits her narrative, she’s equally quick to distance herself from it when it doesn’t. “She’s only black when it’s convenient,” one commenter wrote. “When the gig calls for it, she’s suddenly all about embracing her roots. But when it doesn’t, she’s back to trying to look like a white European socialite.”
This selective approach to her identity has made it difficult for many to take her seriously as a champion of black empowerment. Instead of being seen as a genuine advocate, she’s often viewed as someone who uses her heritage as a tool for personal gain.
Meghan Markle’s inclusion in Tyler Perry’s BLK WMN project is just the latest example of her knack for inserting herself into narratives where she doesn’t quite belong. While the tribute is meant to celebrate the achievements of black women, Meghan’s presence feels out of place and self-serving. For many, it’s yet another reminder that Meghan is less interested in genuine empowerment and more focused on maintaining her own relevance.
As the backlash continues to grow, one thing is clear: Meghan Markle’s attempts to position herself as a champion of black excellence are falling flat. Until she can demonstrate a consistent and authentic commitment to the causes she claims to support, her critics will continue to see her as nothing more than a master of self-promotion.
