Meghan Markle reiterated her claim of being the 'most trolled person in the entire world' during a mental health event in Australia. The Duchess of Sussex, speaking at Swinburne University of Technology, stated that she has faced relentless online bullying for the past decade. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz mocked the claim, suggesting President Trump holds that title instead.
Core Facts and Developments
Meghan Markle told students at a mental health event that she has been the 'most trolled person in the world' for the past 10 years. She emphasized the impact of online hate on mental health, urging resilience. Senator Ted Cruz responded by joking that President Trump is likely the most trolled person, citing the president's frequent online criticism.
Deeper Dive and Context
Meghan Markle's Claim
Markle's statement aligns with her previous claims, including a 2020 appearance on the Teenager Therapy podcast and a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts amid intense media scrutiny. She referenced inflammatory news stories from early in her relationship with Prince Harry, such as a Daily Mail article labeling her '(almost) Straight Outta Compton' and another referencing her 'exotic DNA.'
Ted Cruz's Response
Cruz, speaking to TMZ, said he believed Trump is the most trolled person, adding that some online taunts are fair while others are not. He also acknowledged his own experiences with internet ridicule, stating he sometimes enjoys trolling critics back. Cruz did praise Markle's acting in the TV show Suits, calling it 'awesome.'
Prince Harry's Comments
During the same tour, Prince Harry made headlines by stating he never wanted to be a working royal, claiming the role 'killed' his mother, Princess Diana. He described feeling 'lost, betrayed, or completely powerless' throughout his life.
Data and Analysis
While Markle's claim of being the most trolled person has been questioned, data from social listening platform Hootsuite shows persistent negative online discussions about her. However, a 2019 study commissioned by Online.Casino.ca ranked her as the third most trolled person, behind Trump and another public figure. Markle has not provided specific data to support her claim.