When it comes to standing up for what’s right, Melissa McCarthy isn’t one to shy away from the spotlight. The actress has come out swinging in defense of her close friend, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, after witnessing the relentless attacks Meghan has faced online. Melissa, who's no stranger to using her platform for good, isn’t holding back this time around.
Why Melissa McCarthy is Speaking Out
At 53, Melissa McCarthy is a force to be reckoned with, and she’s not afraid to use her voice for those she cares about. Speaking candidly to Page Six during the Broadway premiere of Suffs—a suffragette-inspired musical supported by the likes of Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai—she expressed her frustration with the internet's toxic culture. “It breaks my heart that people just seem to enjoy tearing others down for no good reason,” she said. “Meghan is an intelligent, fascinating woman who’s carving her own path in life, and yet some people find that intimidating. It’s time we call out this behavior for what it is: unacceptable.”
An Inspiring Friendship Between Two Strong Women
Meghan Markle, now 42, is more than just an acquaintance to Melissa McCarthy—she’s a cherished friend. Melissa describes Meghan as “wonderful” and “awesome,” and she’s deeply inspired by how Meghan handles herself in the face of adversity. “I’ve never felt threatened by someone who’s genuinely amazing,” Melissa added. “Instead, I find it inspiring. The real problem lies with those spreading hate. It’s on them to rethink their actions.”
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A History of Support: Celebrating Meghan's 40th Birthday
Their friendship isn’t new; it’s been on full display since 2021 when Melissa joined Meghan in celebrating her 40th birthday and the launch of her 40×40 initiative, which promotes mentorship and empowerment for women. After appearing alongside Meghan and Prince Harry in a video for the cause, Melissa spoke glowingly about the couple to Access Hollywood. “They’re such a delightful pair,” she said. “Not only are they sweet and funny, but they’re also incredibly inspiring as they build a life centered around their family and their values.”
Behind the Scenes: Meghan and Harry's Impactful Work
Since stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry, now 39, have dedicated themselves to meaningful work through nonprofit organizations and advocacy efforts. Their focus has been on critical issues like supporting veterans, advancing women’s rights, and promoting vaccine equity during the global pandemic. Despite their noble endeavors, Meghan has endured a torrent of online harassment. A 2021 study by Bot Sentinel revealed a chilling coordinated hate campaign targeting her, with over 114,000 negative posts originating from just 83 accounts, reaching an estimated 17 million users.
Meghan Speaks Out: The Impact of Online Bullying
Meghan addressed this toxic environment during a keynote speech at South By Southwest’s (SXSW) panel titled Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen. Joining esteemed panelists like Katie Couric and Brooke Shields, she shared her thoughts on the dehumanizing effects of social media. “We’ve lost sight of our shared humanity,” Meghan reflected. “I’ve taken a step back from social media for my own well-being. It’s not just petty—it’s cruel. The worst of it came when I was pregnant. It’s hard to comprehend why people would direct so much hatred toward others, especially when women are tearing each other down online.”
Meghan emphasized the need for systemic change within social media platforms while encouraging cultural shifts that foster kindness and understanding. “We must address both the platform and the culture simultaneously,” she urged. “Only then can we hope to create a world where women lift each other up instead of tearing one another down.”
