The panel, moderated by Erin Haines, was intended to discuss the importance of representation in media and entertainment, as well as the challenges and opportunities women encounter in these industries. However, Meghan, who has been residing in California with her husband Prince Harry and their two children since stepping down from royal duties, seemed to have her own motives.
Using the festival as a platform to promote her controversial Netflix deal, which has faced substantial criticism from both experts and viewers, Meghan also sought to address rumors and conspiracy theories circulating online regarding the authenticity of her children, Archie and Lili. Claiming to set the record straight and prove that her children are real and that she is a proud and loving mother, Meghan proceeded to display a series of photos purportedly taken by her and Harry at their home in Montecito.
The photos, however, were evidently fabricated and manipulated, displaying inconsistencies in features, skin tones, hair colors, and obvious signs of editing and cropping. The audience, who had paid a significant fee to attend the festival and watch the panel, reacted with shock and outrage at Meghan's blatant attempt to deceive them and exploit her children as props. Some attendees booed and jeered, while others walked out of the venue in protest.
The other panelists, equally stunned and appalled by Meghan's behavior, tried to redirect the conversation back to the intended topic. However, Meghan remained defiant, continuing to ramble about her children and her Netflix deal. At this point, host Erin Haines, a respected journalist and podcaster known for her coverage of race, gender, politics, and culture, decided to intervene and confront Meghan.
Haines, unimpressed by Meghan's antics, interrupted her and demanded that she leave, accusing her of lying to the audience and herself. She called Meghan narcissistic, delusional, and accused her of exploiting her children for personal gain. Haines made it clear that Meghan was not welcome at the festival and demanded an apology from her for wasting the audience's time and insulting their intelligence.
Haines' words were met with applause and cheers from the audience and the panel, who commended her for her courage and honesty. Meghan, on the other hand, was left speechless and furious, struggling to comprehend what had just transpired. Glaring at Haines, Meghan attempted to defend herself but was promptly escorted off the stage and out of the venue by security guards, leaving her embarrassed and angry.
Many have praised Haines for her bold actions and criticized Meghan for her disrespectful and dishonest behavior. Questions have been raised about Meghan's credibility and mental state, with some suggesting that she might require professional help. Concerns have also been expressed for Prince Harry and their children, as people wonder how they are coping with Meghan's recent actions.
Meghan's SXSW disaster has garnered significant media attention and sparked discussions among the public, who have closely followed her and Harry's journey since their departure from the royal family. Despite their attempts to establish themselves as global influencers and philanthropists through lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, the couple has faced substantial backlash and criticism, particularly following their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made several allegations of racism, neglect, and abuse within the monarchy.
