The 2025 TIME100 Summit, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center, was meant to be a celebration of global leaders and influential figures, but for Meghan Markle, it turned into a moment of public scrutiny that has since gone viral. During the event, as TIME magazine praised Nicole Kidman—named one of their Women of the Year—for her decades-long career and impactful contributions, Meghan’s reaction on stage caught the attention of viewers worldwide. What followed was a wave of online speculation, ridicule, and renewed criticism about the Duchess of Sussex’s relevance in the face of such established honorees.

A Tense On-Stage Moment

Meghan Markle, who was a keynote speaker at the summit, had just finished delivering a speech about her recent projects, including her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, and her business venture As Ever. She was seated on stage alongside other notable figures when TIME CEO Jessica Sibley introduced a segment honoring Nicole Kidman. The Australian actress, celebrated for her extensive body of work and humanitarian efforts, received glowing praise for her “decades of real achievement” in film and advocacy.

As the audience applauded Kidman, cameras captured Meghan’s reaction—and it wasn’t the composed demeanor royal watchers might have expected. Viewers noted her tense body language, with a clenched jaw and a forced smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Some observed her shifting uncomfortably in her seat, her hands fidgeting as the praise for Kidman continued. The moment, which was livestreamed and later shared widely on social media, quickly became fodder for online commentary.

One user on X remarked, “Meghan looked like she was about to combust when Nicole Kidman got her flowers—those forced smiles were painful to watch!” Another wrote, “You could feel the jealousy radiating off her. Kidman’s been at the top for decades, and Meghan can’t handle not being the center of attention.” The clip has since garnered over 2 million views, with hashtags like #MeghanMeltdown and #TIME100Drama trending in the aftermath.

A History of Public Scrutiny

This isn’t the first time Meghan has faced criticism for her public demeanor at high-profile events. Earlier in the summit, she and Prince Harry had already made headlines for an awkward moment when Meghan appeared to leave Harry hanging as they entered the venue, prompting body language expert Judi James to describe Harry as acting like a “spare” once again. Meghan’s $5,000 Ralph Lauren linen suit, while praised for its chic style, also drew comments about her trying to channel Princess Diana—a comparison that some felt was a stretch given the context of the event.

Meghan’s speech at the summit had been well-received by some, with her sharing personal anecdotes about her happiness and her children, including a mention of Prince Archie losing his first tooth. She told the audience, “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” citing her supportive husband and joyful kids as sources of gratitude. However, her projects have faced mixed reviews—her Netflix show has been critically panned, and her podcast is reportedly struggling after just three episodes. Against this backdrop, the praise for Kidman, a seasoned actress with a legacy of impactful work, seemed to strike a nerve.

Jealousy or Misinterpretation?

The online reaction to Meghan’s on-stage moment has been swift and harsh, with many speculating that jealousy was at play. Critics argue that Meghan, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 to forge her own path in the U.S., is still chasing relevance in a world that values long-term achievement over media buzz. “Nicole Kidman has been a powerhouse for decades—Oscars, philanthropy, you name it. Meghan’s been in the spotlight for what, five minutes? Of course she’s rattled,” one commenter on X wrote.

However, others have cautioned against jumping to conclusions. Some fans defended Meghan, suggesting that her discomfort might have been misread. “Maybe she was just tired or distracted—it’s a long event, and she’s a mom of two young kids,” one supporter posted. Another pointed out the double standard often applied to women in the public eye: “If a man looked uncomfortable on stage, no one would bat an eye. Why are we so quick to label Meghan as jealous?”

It’s worth noting that the TIME100 Summit was a high-stakes event for Meghan. She was there to promote her brand and projects, but the summit also featured heavyweights like Ryan Reynolds, Demi Moore, and Nikki Glaser, all of whom received significant attention. The event’s focus on “spotlighting solutions and encouraging action toward a better world” may have amplified the pressure on Meghan to prove her worth alongside such established figures.

A Pattern of Criticism

The incident has reignited broader discussions about Meghan’s public image. Since leaving the royal family, she and Prince Harry have faced relentless scrutiny over their attempts to build “Brand Sussex.” Some attendees at the summit, as reported by the Express, felt that Meghan’s speech about “flower sprinkles” and personal joy lacked the depth expected at such a forum, describing it as “vacuous” and self-serving. This perception aligns with ongoing criticism that the couple often uses platforms like TIME100 to advance their own agenda rather than contribute meaningfully to global issues.

Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman’s recognition as a Woman of the Year was universally praised. Her career, spanning over four decades, includes iconic roles in films like Moulin Rouge! and Big Little Lies, as well as her advocacy for women’s rights through her work with UN Women. Kidman, who was not present on stage during Meghan’s reaction, later gave a gracious acceptance speech, focusing on the importance of storytelling in driving change—a stark contrast to the personal focus of Meghan’s remarks.

What’s Next for Meghan?

The fallout from the TIME100 Summit moment is unlikely to die down anytime soon. Meghan and Harry skipped the subsequent TIME100 Gala, with Meghan revealing during her speech that they needed to return to California for personal reasons. This absence only fueled further speculation, with some suggesting the couple wanted to avoid additional awkward encounters.

For Meghan, the incident underscores the challenges of navigating her post-royal identity. While she has made strides with her Netflix series and podcast, both projects have faced significant hurdles, and her public appearances are often overshadowed by controversy. The comparison to figures like Kidman—who have built their legacies over decades—highlights the uphill battle Meghan faces in establishing herself as a credible voice in the global arena.

As the online debate rages on, one thing is clear: whether it was jealousy, discomfort, or simply a bad moment caught on camera, Meghan Markle’s reaction at the TIME100 Summit has once again placed her under the microscope. Only time will tell if she can rise above the criticism and carve out the relevance she seeks—or if moments like these will continue to define her public journey.