Meghan Markle Faces Allegations of Bullying in Viral Video Released by Thomas Markle

On April 27, 2025, Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, released a video purportedly showing Meghan engaging in unprofessional behavior on the set of one of her projects. The footage, which has rapidly spread across social media platforms, allegedly captures Meghan berating crew members, prompting a wave of controversy. Thomas claims the video exposes a pattern of “bullying” and “unprofessional” conduct, reigniting tensions between him and his daughter. As the video fuels heated debates online, it raises questions about Meghan’s behind-the-scenes demeanor and could pose significant challenges to her public image and ongoing projects.

The video, which surfaced without clear details about its origin or the specific project involved, reportedly shows Meghan in tense exchanges with staff. Sources close to Thomas, cited in posts on X, allege that the footage was obtained from a crew member who felt mistreated during production. Thomas, who has been vocal about his strained relationship with Meghan since her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, presented the video as evidence of what he describes as her “true character.” In a statement accompanying the release, he reportedly said, “This is who she is when the cameras aren’t rolling,” echoing sentiments from his past interviews where he claimed Meghan has treated him and others poorly.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have erupted with reactions to the video. Some users expressed outrage, with posts calling Meghan’s alleged behavior “disgraceful” and “entitled.” One widely shared post stated, “Meghan Markle caught bullying crew in this video—shocking but not surprising!” Others, however, urged caution, noting the lack of context and the possibility of selective editing. A defender of Meghan wrote, “This smells like a setup. Thomas Markle has an agenda, and this video could be manipulated.” The polarized responses highlight the ongoing divide between Meghan’s supporters and critics, a dynamic that has persisted since her departure from royal duties in 2020.

Meghan’s team has not yet issued an official response to the video or Thomas’s claims, but sources close to the Duchess, cited in entertainment outlets, suggest she is “devastated” by the allegations. This incident comes amid renewed scrutiny of Meghan’s workplace conduct, following earlier reports of bullying allegations during her time as a working royal. In 2018, a leaked email from Kensington Palace’s then-communications secretary, Jason Knauf, accused Meghan of bullying two personal assistants, claims that Buckingham Palace investigated but never publicly resolved. More recently, a September 2024 Hollywood Reporter article described Meghan as a “dictator in high heels” who belittled staff, though her supporters, including former Archewell employees, have dismissed these as part of a smear campaign.

The timing of the video’s release is notable, as it coincides with Meghan and Prince Harry’s high-profile activities in the U.S. Just days earlier, on April 25, 2025, Harry honored firefighters at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills, while the couple’s Archewell Foundation continues to advocate for social media safety and mental health. The video threatens to overshadow these efforts, potentially undermining Meghan’s carefully curated image as a philanthropist and advocate. Public relations experts warn that the allegations could harm her brand, particularly as she prepares for the launch of her Netflix lifestyle series. “This is a PR nightmare,” a crisis management consultant told Variety. “Even if the video is debunked, the narrative of ‘Meghan the bully’ sticks.”

Thomas Markle’s decision to release the video adds another chapter to his contentious relationship with Meghan. Since her royal wedding, Thomas has given multiple interviews criticizing her, including a 2022 TV appearance where he expressed a desire to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. His actions, including staging paparazzi photos before the 2018 wedding, have been widely criticized, and Meghan has publicly discussed the pain caused by their estrangement. In her 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, she described feeling betrayed by her father’s media engagements, a sentiment echoed in Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, where he called stories about Meghan’s behavior “egregious” and fabricated.

The video’s authenticity remains unverified, and questions linger about its production and intent. Experts in digital forensics, quoted in tech blogs, suggest that such footage could be altered or taken out of context to create a misleading narrative. Without a response from Meghan’s team or independent verification, the public is left to speculate. Meanwhile, the controversy has reignited discussions about the pressures faced by public figures, particularly women of color, with some commentators pointing to racial undertones in the backlash against Meghan, as noted in a March 2025 Psychology Today article on her online bullying.

As the story develops, the video’s impact on Meghan’s career and public perception will depend on how she and her team address the allegations. If history is any indication, the Duchess is unlikely to remain silent for long. For now, the viral footage has thrust her into an unwanted spotlight, challenging her to navigate yet another storm in her complex journey as a global figure.