08 March 2024 , 22:20
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Meghan Markle has been praised by fans after calling out "cruel" online bullies after receiving "toxic abuse".
The Duchess of Sussex delivered an empowering speech at the South by Southwest Festival in Texas on Friday, which came as Prince Harry, the former actress' doting husband, supported his wife from the front row as she gushed over how much of a hands-on dad he is, as well as opening up about the bullying she has been subject to in the past.
While speaking on the panel for the keynote speech titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen, Meghan opened up when she said: "But the bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing in social media and online, was when I was pregnant with Archie and with Lili."
READ MORE: Meghan Markle slams 'painful' online bullying as she says 'it's not catty, it's cruel'
Meghan thrilled fans with her empowering appearance at a keynote speech todayShe went on: "And you just think about that and really wrap your head around what people would be so hateful. It's not catty, it's cruel, why you would do that? Certainly when you're pregnant and you have a newborn," she went on, touching on how it's a tender and sacred time.
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Meghan also spoke about how she currently distances herself from social media, noting how the abuse she has been subject to in the past "wasn't catty" but was instead "cruel".
Fans and critics have now reacted to Meghan's appearance at SXSW, with many taking to social media. One person took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to praise the Duchess when she said: "Meghan Markle is objectively a great public speaker. She needs no notes, identifies to draw you in, and her lyrical tone makes you want to hear more from her. These are talents that can’t be taught."
Another added: "You know I love this woman. Meghan Markle set boundaries and said, no, absolutely not. And she lived. I was so, utterly impressed by her and continue to be." And a third penned: "I’m so proud of her. They will never dim her light. She shines brighter!"
But some weren't as complementary, with one writing: "What exactly is Meghan Markle contributing to this discussion? Such an unfortunate distraction from very serious issues."