Famous TV presenter Alison Hammond sparked reactions from fans with her comments about Meghan Markle on the show.
The TV presenter suggested the backlash suffered by the Duchess of Sussex was rooted in “racism” and “misogyny”.
Viewers were divided after the debate unfolded. This morning following new comments from the Duchess of Sussex, who recently claimed she was “bullied and attacked” online for a decade and described herself as “the most trolled person in the world”.
During the segment, Hammond presented a clip of Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan, expressing anger over online abuse against her, warning that social media platforms are “rooted and built on cruelty to get clicks.”
The presenter then turned to journalist Bryony Gordon and said: “Imagine being the most trolled person in the world. What that must do for you mentally.”
Gordon, who has previously expressed support for the Duchess, claimed she had experienced trolling “vicariously” herself.
Recalling his own interactions with Archie and Lilibet’s mother, Gordon said she was “nothing like” the “villain” portrayed online and argued that the hostility said more about modern culture than the individual at its center.
“There’s this kind of vitriol that’s being thrown, particularly at Meghan,” she said, adding that while not everyone has to like public figures, “we don’t need to put up with abuse.”
Hammond then questioned the extent of the backlash directed at the former working royal, asking: “At the end of the day, what did she ever do, really and truly? What, did she murder anyone? No. She really didn’t do anything.”
She also described it as “sad” that Ordon was subjected to abuse simply for supporting the Duchess.
The conversation took a more pointed turn when co-presenter Dermot O’Leary asked the panel why they thought the mother of two was attracting such intense criticism.
Hammond seemed to agree with Gordon’s assessment, nodding as he said, “Racism.”
She continued: “You know what? You need to call it out when it’s there. Don’t be stupid. It’s racism. It’s misogyny. It’s all, all of the above.
The remarks quickly sparked a fierce reaction online, with viewers taking to X to express their opinions on Hammond’s comments, with one user writing: “Being criticized for bad behavior is not bullying or racism. »
Another added: “Apparently you can’t criticize a woman or it’s ‘misogynistic’… well it’s not, you’re just wrong.”
Others questioned whether the negative reaction was related to his actions rather than his identity.
“Could it be that it’s not due to sexism or racism, but just that some people just don’t like it? a message read.
However, Meghan’s fans hit back: “I’ve never really understood why she takes so much abuse. I like her and Harry.”
While another suggested critics would “soon return to their usual national sport of trashing her again”.
