MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

Meghan Markle Opens Up About The Racism She Has Endured

The actress pens a powerful essay about online bullying - by marie claire
  • 13 Dec 2016
Meghan Markle Opens Up About The Racism She Has Endured

Meghan Markle has opened up about the racism and online bullying she has received since her rise to fame on the hit show Suits.

 

The actress has penned a powerful essay for Elle UK about the online abuse she received after the show’s producers cast a black actor as her on-screen father.

 

“I remember the tweets when that first episode of the Zane family aired, then ran the gamut from: ‘Why would they make her dad black? She’s not black’ to ‘Ew, she’s black? I used to think she was hot.’”

 

“The reaction was unexpected, but speaks of the undercurrent of racism that is so prevalent, especially within America,” she continued.

 

Meghan also opened up about a question she receives almost every day of her life: “What are you?”

 

RELATED: Five Things You Need To Know About Meghan Markle

 

 

Meghan Markle in Suits

Meghan Markle in 'Suits'

USA Network

“‘Well,’ I say, as I begin the verbal dance I know all too well. ‘I’m an actor, a writer, the Editor-in-Chief of my lifestyle brand The Tig, a pretty good cook and a firm believer in handwritten notes.’ A mouthful, yes, but one that I feel paints a pretty solid picture of who I am,” she explained.

“But here’s what happens: they smile and nod politely, maybe even chuckle, before getting to their point, ‘Right, but what are you? Where are your parents from?’ I knew it was coming, I always do ... I give them what they’re after: ‘My dad is caucasian and my mom is African-American. I’m half black and half white.’”

Despite already being an established actress, entrepreneur and humanitarian in her own right, there’s no doubt Meghan Markle’s relationship with Prince Harry has catapulted her into the global spotlight.

The racism was clearly something the actress had endured long before the high-profile relationship, but the situation became so serious that the Prince felt the need to release an unprecedented statement condemning the abuse.

RELATED: Meghan Markle Makes A Bold Statement About Relationship With Prince Harry

Kensington Palace on Twitter

The statement slammed the racist, sexist attitudes of the media and warned the media that "this is not a game" and that a line has been "crossed".

"Some of this has been very public - the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments. 

"Some of it has been hidden from the public - the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life."

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.

Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.

Rupert Murdoch & Jerry Hall Are Divorcing. What Does That Mean For Their Fortunes?

Rupert Murdoch & Jerry Hall Are Divorcing. What Does That Mean For Their Fortunes?

Everyone Is Talking About The 10 Second Test That Can Tell How Long You'll Live

Everyone Is Talking About The 10 Second Test That Can Tell How Long You'll Live

16 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

16 Celebrities Who Have Opened Up About Having Grey Hair

{headline}

{headline}

All The Times Celebrities Have Spoken Candidly About Miscarriages

All The Times Celebrities Have Spoken Candidly About Miscarriages

Trial Delayed After Lisa Wilkinson's Logies Speech Mentions Brittany Higgins

Trial Delayed After Lisa Wilkinson's Logies Speech Mentions Brittany Higgins

‘The Only Way We Heal Is When We Speak’: Suzi Dent On Testifying Against Rolf Harris

‘The Only Way We Heal Is When We Speak’: Suzi Dent On Testifying Against Rolf Harris

{headline}

{headline}

"It Swallowed Me Up": Erin Doherty On The Surprising Aftermath Of 'The Crown'

"It Swallowed Me Up": Erin Doherty On The Surprising Aftermath Of 'The Crown'

All The Celebrity Mums Who Have Got Candid About Their Postpartum Bodies

All The Celebrity Mums Who Have Got Candid About Their Postpartum Bodies

Here's What New South Wales' $100M Investment In Women's Safety Is Going Towards

Here's What New South Wales' $100M Investment In Women's Safety Is Going Towards

The Tide Is Slowly (But Surely) Turning When It Comes To Male Birth Control

The Tide Is Slowly (But Surely) Turning When It Comes To Male Birth Control

Johnny Depp Will Return To Court For Upcoming Assault Trial, Here's What You Need To Know

Johnny Depp Will Return To Court For Upcoming Assault Trial, Here's What You Need To Know

Beyoncé's New Album 'RENAISSANCE' Is Coming — Here's Everything We Know

Beyoncé's New Album 'RENAISSANCE' Is Coming — Here's Everything We Know

Laura Byrne Talks Us Through Her Everyday Beauty Routine

Laura Byrne Talks Us Through Her Everyday Beauty Routine

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire