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Meghan Markle on facing racism: ‘Some of the slurs hit me in a really strong way’ – video

Meghan Markle as a young girl with family members. Photos: Instagram/YouTube
Meghan Markle as a young girl with family members. Photos: Instagram/YouTube

Post-George Floyd, a frank video of the now-Duchess of Sussex talking about how racism affected her own life has surfaced online – chiming with the renewed Black Lives Matter movement

Ever since the news broke of the death of George Floyd – who suffered a cardiac arrest while being restrained by police – celebrities and influential figures have taken to the streets, to social media, and even to their bank accounts to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

 

However, when it comes to royalty, these situations can be tricky. It’s no secret that there are many topics that are off bounds, and personal opinions that have to be kept personal. Which is why we haven’t heard the likes of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton weigh in on the issue that has made headlines around the world.

Clock the T-shirt? Photo: YouTube
Clock the T-shirt? Photo: YouTube
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Fortunately, Meghan was already an outspoken activist long before she joined the royal family. In 2012, the then-actress shared her struggles with racism as part of the “I Won't Stand For …” campaign for non-profit organisation Erase the Hate.

Although the duchess hadn’t even met Prince Harry back when she filmed the clip, it’s fascinating to hear her talk about her first-hand struggles with racism, especially during this time when the issue is globally magnified.

Meghan Markle’s comments have gone viral. Photo: YouTube
Meghan Markle’s comments have gone viral. Photo: YouTube

Here are some of the stand-out moments from Meghan’s awareness video:

“For me I think it hits a really personal note. I'm biracial, most people can't tell what I'm mixed with and so much of my life has felt like being a fly on the wall.”

“Some of the slurs I've heard, the really offensive jokes or the names, it has just hit me in a really strong way. A couple of years ago I heard someone call my mum the N-word.”

South African-born Andre joined SCMP STYLE’s Hong Kong office as Senior Digital Content Manager in 2020 after working at some of the world’s biggest media companies in the UAE, Singapore and the UK. When he’s not behind the velvet rope rubbing shoulders with the A-list, you’re likely to find him sampling local beers and searching for Insta-hot spots during his travels.