In early June 2025, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, found herself at the center of a social media storm after sharing a throwback video on Instagram to celebrate her daughter Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday. The clip, recorded in 2021, showed a heavily pregnant Meghan dancing in a hospital room alongside her husband, Prince Harry, to the viral song “The Baby Momma Dance” by Starrkeisha. The lighthearted video, intended to capture a joyful moment as the couple tried to induce labor, quickly went viral, amassing over 47 million views. However, it also sparked intense backlash, with critics labeling it “cringe,” “unroyal,” and even “obscene.” Some went as far as reviving baseless conspiracy theories questioning the authenticity of Meghan’s pregnancy. Despite the vitriol, supporters, including friends, fans, and social media analysts, have rallied to her defense, condemning the criticism as “sickening” and “cruel.” This article explores the controversy, the nature of the backlash, and the broader implications of the public’s reaction to Meghan’s candid moment.
The Video That Sparked a Firestorm
The video, posted on June 4, 2025, was part of a series of heartfelt tributes Meghan shared to mark Lilibet’s birthday. In it, a visibly pregnant Meghan is seen dancing with playful energy, performing moves like rowing motions, shoulder shimmies, and even a brief twerk, all while cradling her baby bump. Prince Harry, dressed casually in a hoodie, joins in with his own comedic dance moves, sliding into the frame with a grin. The caption accompanying the video explained the context: both of their children, Lilibet and Archie, were a week past their due dates, and after trying methods like spicy food, walking, and acupuncture, dancing was their last resort to induce labor. Meghan’s lighthearted tone, punctuated with a laughing emoji, underscored the couple’s attempt to find joy in a tense moment.
For many fans, the video was a refreshing glimpse into the Sussexes’ private life, showcasing their humor and chemistry. Supporters praised Meghan for her authenticity, noting that the clip humanized a couple often scrutinized under a harsh public lens. The video’s viral success—becoming the most-watched reel on Meghan’s Instagram account—reflected its broad appeal, particularly in the United States, where it was seen as relatable and endearing. However, the positive reception was overshadowed by a wave of criticism that ranged from mockery to outright hostility.
The Backlash: From Mockery to Conspiracy Theories
The negative reactions to the video were swift and multifaceted. Some critics deemed the video “cringeworthy,” arguing that Meghan’s dance moves were undignified for a member of the royal family, despite her and Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. Others, including high-profile commentators, went further, with one describing the video as “deeply distasteful” and comparing Meghan’s dancing to that of a “floozy in a downtown rum bar.” Such remarks not only criticized the act but also carried a tone of personal disdain, reflecting a broader pattern of hostility toward Meghan.
More disturbingly, the video reignited baseless conspiracy theories that have plagued Meghan since her first pregnancy with Archie in 2019. Social media trolls pointed to the shape of her baby bump, which was partially obscured by fetal monitors, as “evidence” that her pregnancy was fake. These claims, which have been repeatedly debunked, were fueled by critics who argued that Meghan’s ability to dance while heavily pregnant was unnatural. Such accusations ignored the reality of pregnancy, where physical activity, including dancing, is often encouraged to stimulate labor. The conspiracy theories were not only cruel but also revealed a profound ignorance about childbirth, as many mothers pointed out in Meghan’s defense.
The backlash also extended to Prince Harry, with some insiders and commentators criticizing him for participating in the “dad dancing” seen in the video. Reports suggested that the royal family, including King Charles, was “horrified” by the clip, viewing it as a breach of the decorum expected of royals. However, these claims were largely speculative, and Harry’s own account in his 2023 memoir, Spare, described the moment as one of “joy and love,” indicating that the couple cherished the memory.
Defending Meghan: Voices of Support
In the face of this criticism, Meghan’s supporters were quick to rally. One prominent defender, a tech entrepreneur and friend of the couple, spoke out against the “sickening and cruel” nature of the backlash. He highlighted the personal toll of such attacks, noting that Meghan has been open about her struggles with mental health, including suicidal thoughts during her time as a working royal. The constant vilification, he argued, not only harms Meghan and Harry but also erodes societal empathy by normalizing baseless conspiracies.
Fans on social media also came to Meghan’s defense, particularly mothers who shared their own experiences to counter the pregnancy rumors. One woman posted a photo of herself in a hospital with fetal monitors, explaining that the equipment can create unusual shapes under clothing, thus debunking claims about Meghan’s bump. Another fan urged critics to “leave Meg alone,” emphasizing that the video captured a universal moment of parental anticipation. These voices underscored the disconnect between the critics’ assumptions and the realities of pregnancy and childbirth.
Meghan herself addressed the video on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, which aired on June 17, 2025. In a playful exchange, she asked the host, a founding partner of SKIMS and CEO of Good American, if she had seen the “Baby Momma” dance. Grede, who admitted to watching the clip “maybe 20 times,” praised Meghan for sharing a side of herself that fans rarely see. She described doing a “secret little cheer” for Meghan’s unfiltered happiness, noting that the video reflected an “I don’t give a f—” attitude that resonated with many. Meghan’s comments on the podcast revealed her intent to embrace authenticity online, signaling a shift toward sharing more personal moments despite the risk of backlash.
The Broader Context: Meghan’s Evolving Public Persona
The hospital dancing video is part of a broader evolution in Meghan’s public presence. Since returning to Instagram in early 2025, she has used the platform to share glimpses of her family life, from Father’s Day tributes to Harry to behind-the-scenes moments from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. This openness marks a departure from her earlier years, when privacy was a priority amid intense media scrutiny. The decision to share the dancing video, despite knowing it would provoke controversy, suggests a newfound confidence in her public persona.
This confidence is also evident in Meghan’s response to the backlash. Sources close to the Duchess indicate that she views the video as a “win,” unbothered by the “haters in Britain” and pleased with its positive reception in the U.S. The clip’s 47 million views underscore its impact, surpassing even her brand launch video for As Ever. By leaning into authenticity, Meghan is carving out a space where she can connect with supporters on her terms, rather than conforming to expectations of royal behavior.
Societal Implications: Misogyny and Media Narratives
The backlash against Meghan’s video raises deeper questions about societal attitudes toward women, particularly those in the public eye. The accusations of faking her pregnancy, rooted in misogynistic tropes, reflect a tendency to police women’s bodies and experiences. The criticism of her dancing as “unroyal” or “vulgar” further reveals a double standard, as male royals are rarely subjected to similar scrutiny for personal expressions of joy.
The media’s role in amplifying this backlash cannot be ignored. While some outlets reported on the video’s viral success, others focused on the negative reactions, often quoting anonymous insiders or commentators with clear biases. This selective framing perpetuates a narrative of Meghan as a polarizing figure, overshadowing the positive responses from fans and supporters. The British media, in particular, has been accused of exploiting the video to fuel anti-Meghan sentiment, a pattern that has persisted since her marriage to Harry.
Conclusion: A Moment of Joy Amid the Noise
Meghan Markle’s hospital dancing video, far from being a mere social media post, has become a lightning rod for broader debates about authenticity, privacy, and public perception. What began as a celebration of her daughter’s birthday has exposed the ugliness of online trolling, the persistence of conspiracy theories, and the challenges of navigating fame as a former royal. Yet, it has also highlighted the resilience of Meghan and her supporters, who refuse to let the backlash dim their light.
By sharing this moment of joy, Meghan has invited the world to see her as she is: a mother, a wife, and a woman unafraid to dance through life’s challenges. The “sickening” backlash, while painful, has only strengthened her resolve to live authentically. As she continues to share her story, Meghan Markle is redefining what it means to be a public figure in an age of unrelenting scrutiny, one dance move at a time.
