Kelly Ripa didn’t hold back on Live with Kelly and Mark as she openly criticized Meghan Markle following a surprising incident at the 2025 Invictus Games. The talk show host’s passionate response came after a viral video surfaced, showing Meghan pushing a veteran’s wheelchair without his consent—a move that has sparked widespread backlash from viewers and military supporters alike.
The footage in question captured Meghan Markle taking hold of a veteran’s wheelchair handles and moving him forward, seemingly without asking. The veteran appeared visibly uncomfortable as Meghan maneuvered him, sparking debate over whether her actions were well-intended or simply overstepping boundaries.
Known for her candid opinions, Kelly Ripa wasted no time addressing the controversy on her morning show. As she played the now-infamous clip for her audience, she shook her head in disbelief before delivering a scathing critique.
“Who does that? I mean, did anyone ask her to do this?” Ripa questioned, mimicking the stunned reactions of onlookers. “This isn’t just a photo op—it’s real life. You can’t just push someone’s wheelchair like it’s a piece of furniture.”
Her co-host, Mark Consuelos, attempted to smooth over the situation, but Ripa stood firm. “No way, let’s be honest here,” she insisted. “If anyone else did this, there would be outrage. But because it’s Meghan, we’re just supposed to ignore it?”
The reaction on social media was swift and intense. Many viewers criticized Meghan for what they saw as a tone-deaf and intrusive gesture.
“It’s not about good intentions—it’s about respect,” one veteran tweeted. “You don’t just push someone’s wheelchair like they’re a prop in your narrative.”
Another social media user wrote, “Imagine needing control so badly that you don’t even think to ask a disabled veteran if they want assistance before taking their chair.”
Ripa extended her criticism beyond this singular moment, pointing out Meghan’s repeated need to be in the spotlight.
“She always has to be the main character,” Ripa remarked. “It’s always about her—whether she’s ‘helping,’ ‘caring,’ or ‘taking charge.’ But did anyone actually ask for it?”
Many royal watchers and Meghan skeptics echoed Ripa’s sentiments, expressing growing frustration over the Duchess’s approach to public engagements. This latest controversy joins a growing list of moments where Meghan’s well-intentioned gestures have backfired, from her awkward curtsies to seemingly rehearsed speeches that some find lacking in authenticity.
At the Invictus Games, an event meant to honor wounded veterans, critics argue that Meghan’s presence seemed more focused on crafting her own image than allowing the veterans to take center stage. Her attire choices, strategic camera angles, and carefully curated public persona led some attendees to question whether she was genuinely there for the cause—or for her own PR boost.
“She acted like she was orchestrating everything,” one observer noted about her demeanor during the event. Others shared similar views, suggesting she treated the event as more of a personal branding opportunity than a tribute to veterans.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry appeared unaware of the growing controversy surrounding his wife. As he dedicated himself to celebrating the veterans’ achievements, Meghan’s actions drew unwanted attention for reasons that many found frustrating.
Rumors among attendees hinted at discomfort among some veterans, with one participant commenting, “We’re here because we fought for something greater than ourselves. This isn’t a red carpet moment—it’s about honoring sacrifice, not someone playing savior.”
As discussions around Meghan’s role in future Invictus Games events continue, some are now questioning whether her involvement is driven more by personal image-building than genuine commitment to the cause. With public figures like Kelly Ripa calling out her behavior, it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will impact her standing both within the Invictus community and in the broader public eye.
One thing is certain: Meghan Markle’s every move will continue to be scrutinized, and this latest incident has only fueled the ongoing debate over her authenticity and motivations.
