Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of controversy—just days after being accused of insensitivity for filming herself driving past the Paris tunnel where Princess Diana tragically died.
The Fashion Week Incident
On October 4, the Duchess of Sussex made her debut at Paris Fashion Week, sitting front row at Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2026 show to support the brand’s new creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli. Markle looked striking in a long-sleeved tunic with a flowing cape and matching pants, exuding effortless elegance.
However, what was meant to be a glamorous appearance quickly turned controversial when cameras captured Markle laughing after a model appeared to stumble on the runway. In the viral clip, Markle can be seen turning to her friend, Mark Anderson, while giggling. When she noticed his unimpressed reaction, she swiftly covered her mouth with her hand and appeared to stop laughing.
Although viewers online claimed the Duchess was mocking the model, her representative later denied those allegations, according to Page Six.
Viral Reactions and Divided Opinions
Once the video spread across TikTok and X, many royal watchers criticized Markle’s behavior, calling it “catty” and “unbecoming.” One critic wrote, “Look how disappointed she looks when she realized she shouldn’t have laughed.” Another added, “Apparently, a model tripped and she’s the only one who laughed. The guy next to her wasn’t impressed.”
Others were more forgiving, with one user commenting, “Everyone in the comments acting as though they wouldn’t laugh if they saw someone fall over.”
Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths weighed in during an interview with the Daily Mail, claiming Markle “did seem a little bit out of place in Paris.” She added, “She seemed a bit nervous. At one point, a model tripped, and she burst out laughing. And then she obviously realized that was quite a cruel thing to do, so she sort of covered it up. She did seem quite poised, but also a bit uneasy there.”
@rvealingthenarc All the world is a stage and every moment is a performance 😳 She’s the only one laughing. Markus doesn’t even crack a smile. Makes me wonder if this is another example of her ridiculing someone… #MeghanMarkleExposed #meghanmarkleisanarcissist
Another Misstep: The ‘Insensitive’ Car Video
The Fashion Week controversy came on the heels of another public relations misfire. Shortly after attending the show, Markle posted an Instagram story of herself being driven along the Seine River at night.
In the video, she was seen relaxing with her feet propped up on the passenger seat as the car crossed the Pont Alexandre III bridge and approached the Pont de l’Alma tunnel—the same tunnel where Princess Diana lost her life in 1997.
Many royal followers labeled the moment “tone-deaf” and “disrespectful,” given the emotional significance of the location. Some described it as “insensitive,” particularly since Markle is married to Diana’s youngest son, Prince Harry.
A String of Controversies
Between her viral laughter at Fashion Week and her questionable video near the Pont de l’Alma, critics say Markle has once again demonstrated a lack of awareness about her public image. Supporters, however, argue that her gestures have been misinterpreted and that the constant scrutiny she faces fuels unfair backlash.
Either way, Meghan Markle’s Paris appearance has ensured that her every move continues to make headlines—whether she intends to or not.
