A bold holiday installation near Prince Harry and Meghan’s Montecito home labels the Duchess a “holiday hypocrite,” sparking fresh debate across California and beyond.
A sharp Meghan Markle controversy erupted in Montecito after a local Kitson store unveiled a holiday “villains” display mocking the Duchess, as reported by local sources. The exhibit brands her a “holiday hypocrite,” reigniting criticism over her public image and prompting fiery online reactions from both supporters and critics.
Key Points
- Kitson display near Meghan’s Montecito home mocks Duchess as “villain of the year.”
- Exhibit claims she “won’t let go” of royal status and is “disliked by Americans.”
- Photos and negative headlines from the last 12 months were featured.
- Display includes Gavin Newsom, George Clooney, Katy Perry.
- Public backlash follows recent criticism toward Harry and Meghan.
LOS ANGELES (Star Struck Times) — A fresh wave of scrutiny has hit Meghan Markle after a bold holiday exhibit just minutes from her Montecito home publicly mocked her as a “holiday hypocrite” and “villain of the year,” reigniting long-standing tensions surrounding her public image in the United States. The exhibit, created by the fashion retailer Kitson, sits only a short drive from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s multimillion-dollar mansion, turning the local display into an unexpected flashpoint of celebrity controversy.
The display, which features a large photo of the Duchess of Sussex surrounded by a collage of unflattering headlines from the past year, claims she “won’t let go of her royal status” despite distancing herself from the monarchy. Another tagline suggests that both Meghan and Prince Harry have become “disliked by Americans,” pointing to shifts in public perception following several high-profile interviews, commercial ventures, and social appearances.
The retailer’s holiday installation is part of its annual “villains” exhibit, a tradition started in 2020. Onlookers noted how Meghan’s image appeared alongside other targets including California governor Gavin Newsom, actor George Clooney, and singer Katy Perry. The collection is meant to provoke conversation, but this year’s spotlight on Meghan has drawn heightened reactions due to its proximity to her hometown and the couple’s ongoing battles with negative press.
Locals who stopped to observe the window display were quick to react. One passerby remarked, “It’s rare to see celebrities called out like this, especially right in their own neighborhood. But people seem tired of the drama surrounding them.” Another spectator said the exhibit “reflects what many Americans are already thinking,” echoing the broader criticism Meghan and Harry have faced since leaving royal duties.
This public mocking comes on the heels of several recent missteps that drew backlash for the Duchess. Meghan was ridiculed online after insisting she be formally introduced as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex” during a one-on-one interview with Harper’s Bazaar, a detail many critics labeled unnecessary and self-important. The move sparked a wave of memes and commentary across social platforms, further deepening the perception that she clings to royal prestige despite promoting independence from the monarchy.
Prince Harry also faced criticism for attending Kris Jenner’s high-profile 70th birthday celebration during Remembrance Weekend in November, a decision many considered tone-deaf given the solemn nature of the commemoration. Although Harry appeared wearing a poppy on his suit, social media users argued that the optics of celebrating at a Hollywood party overshadowed the symbolic gesture.
The Kitson display seems to capitalize on these controversies, stitching together a year of media scrutiny into a holiday spectacle that blurs humor, commentary, and public sentiment. The retailer previously included the Sussexes in earlier displays, offering T-shirts encouraging shoppers to pick Team Meghan and Harry or Team William and Kate, tapping into global fascination with royal divides.
Reactions online were predictably polarized. Supporters of Meghan condemned the display as “public bullying” and “unnecessary humiliation,” arguing that the Duchess is unfairly targeted by tabloids, gossip sites, and now storefronts. Critics, however, applauded the exhibit, calling it “bold,” “accurate,” and “long overdue,” claiming that the couple’s branding efforts often contradict their actions.
Despite the uproar, Meghan and Harry have not issued any public statement, a move seen by some analysts as strategic silence. Yet, public relations experts note that silence can also fuel narratives, especially when controversies escalate near their own community.
As the holiday season progresses, the Montecito display continues drawing crowds, with many stopping to snap pictures or share videos online—further amplifying the conversation around Meghan’s standing in the U.S. Whether the Duchess will address the affair remains to be seen, but the mocking exhibit adds another layer to the ongoing debate over her evolving reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.
FAQs
Q: Why was Meghan Markle called a “holiday hypocrite”?
A: The Kitson display accuses her of clinging to royal titles while promoting independence from the monarchy.
Q: Has Meghan responded?
A: No public statement has been made so far.
Q: Is this the first time Kitson targeted Meghan?
A: No. The store featured her and Prince Harry in a 2020 “Team Sussex vs. Team Cambridge” clothing line.
Q: Why are Americans divided over Meghan and Harry?
A: Public opinion shifted after their interviews, Netflix series, and recent social appearances.
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