The backlash surrounding Meghan Markle appears to be reaching a new level in the United States, with critics, comedians, royal commentators, and even sections of Hollywood media openly questioning her public image and professional relationships. What once looked like a glamorous reinvention after leaving royal life is now, according to some observers, turning into an increasingly difficult struggle for influence and credibility.

Over the past few years, Meghan and Prince Harry have attempted to build a new identity far away from the restrictions of royal duty. After relocating to California in 2020, the couple signed high-profile deals, launched media projects, appeared in major interviews, and positioned themselves as independent global voices. At first, many Americans welcomed them warmly, seeing the pair as modern celebrities breaking away from centuries of royal tradition.

But the atmosphere surrounding the Sussexes has noticeably changed. The latest turning point came after Saturday Night Live mocked the couple in a joke that quickly spread across social media. During the segment, comedian Colin Jost joked that King Charles III had traveled to America to “rescue a British hostage” from an American captor. Moments later, a photo of Harry and Meghan appeared on screen, making it obvious who the joke targeted.

For some viewers, it was simply another late-night comedy moment. For others, it symbolized something much deeper: mainstream American entertainment no longer seems afraid to openly laugh at Harry and Meghan. That shift has become impossible to ignore.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams intensified the discussion when he accused Meghan of repeatedly damaging relationships with influential figures. According to him, Meghan has a pattern of trying to form strategic alliances with celebrities, executives, and powerful personalities, only for those relationships to eventually collapse. He described this as one of her most “disastrous habits,” arguing that people become frustrated by what they perceive as an overly calculated approach to networking and public image management.

While those claims remain opinions rather than proven facts, they have resonated with critics who believe Meghan carefully curates every public interaction for personal branding purposes. Some online commentators even argued that Hollywood insiders have quietly distanced themselves from the Duchess after initially embracing her arrival in California.

The rumors surrounding her relationship with Netflix have only added more fuel to the speculation. Since signing their multi-million-dollar deal with the streaming platform, Harry and Meghan have faced constant scrutiny over the success of their projects. Although their documentary series initially attracted massive attention, later ventures reportedly generated less excitement than expected. Media reports suggesting tensions behind the scenes have led critics to question whether the couple still holds the same value they once did in entertainment circles.

At the same time, Meghan’s absence from the 2026 Met Gala created another wave of discussion. The annual event in New York City is considered one of the most important nights in celebrity culture, attended by the biggest names in fashion, film, music, and business. Given Meghan’s background as an actress and public figure, many expected her to appear. Instead, her absence became yet another talking point about whether she and Harry are losing influence among elite Hollywood circles.

Some readers sympathized with Meghan, arguing that the criticism aimed at her has become unusually personal and relentless. “People seem obsessed with tearing her down no matter what she does,” one commenter wrote online after the SNL joke aired. Another pointed out that male celebrities are often forgiven for behavior that would spark outrage if associated with Meghan.

Still, even some neutral observers admit there appears to be a recurring pattern surrounding the Duchess. Former allies, media partners, family members, and business associates have all reportedly experienced tension at various points over the years. Critics argue that the repetition of these stories makes it difficult to dismiss all of them entirely.

Meanwhile, Harry’s public image has become increasingly tied to Meghan’s controversies. Once viewed as the monarchy’s most relatable and popular royal, he now finds himself regularly portrayed as isolated from his family, his country, and even parts of his former identity. The “hostage” joke may have been exaggerated for comedic effect, but many viewers recognized the uncomfortable truth behind why audiences laughed: a growing perception that Harry has become trapped between two worlds without fully belonging to either.

Royal biographer Phil Dampier recently claimed that much of America has “fallen out of love” with the Sussexes. While that statement may sound dramatic, it reflects a reality that can no longer be ignored — the couple’s relationship with the public is becoming far more divided than it once was.

Yet despite the criticism, Meghan continues to dominate headlines in a way few modern royals ever have. Whether admired or attacked, supported or mocked, she remains impossible to overlook. And perhaps that is exactly why the debate surrounding her has grown so intense. In today’s celebrity culture, being controversial often keeps someone relevant — but as the latest backlash in America shows, relevance does not always guarantee admiration.