Meghan Markle has opened up about her return to Instagram and how she shielded herself from the influx of online hate she received after posting a video of her dancing while heavily pregnant
Meghan Markle has shared why she chose to return to social media after years off the platform, and how she has “protected herself” from online trolls and hate comments.
The Duchess of Sussex described her laid back approach to social media during a candid chat on The Circuit podcast, in which she appeared to promote the new series of her lifestyle Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.
Host Emily Chang quizzed her on why she thought it was important to be present online, with Meghan revealing how she is trying to find the balance between sharing personal moments and protecting her mental wellbeing. It comes after Meghan Markle makes another brutal swipe at royal life – and reveals actual legal name.
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“Coming back on Instagram was a really big decision. But also, it’s just been joyful,” Meghan said. “And I’m really intentional in using it as a platform to share joy and to have fun as well. So I get to play and explore – I play in public.”
The podcast host questioned if it was difficult for Meghan to reveal her full self online, to which the Duchess revealed that she often does hesitate when posting a private moment.
Meghan then spoke out on the seemingly controversial video she posted in celebration of her daughter Lilibet’s fourth birthday earlier this year, which showed a heavily-pregnant Meghan twerking in a hospital room to induce her labour.
“I waffle with some of my choices before I make them,” Meghan said. “I’m generally very decisive, but social media is a great barometer for me, because putting out a video of myself, nine months pregnant, was a really big choice.
“But I also wanted people to see themselves in my story and our story. And to be able to show that with all the noise that might happen in the world on a day-to-day basis, real life is still happening behind the scenes, really real life.”
Chang noted that public reaction to such posts is often divided, as she said: “But you put that out there, and some people, they tear it apart. ”Meghan responded: “I’m sure they did. I don’t know. But I also protect myself from seeing that.”
Meghan went on to explain how she has adopted a very specific social media strategy of posting what she sees fit, and not engaging with the public’s reaction – whether positive or negative – as the comments on her Instagram remain turned off.
Meghan’s decision to post the video was widely interpreted as a move to present a playful, relatable image, in contrast to the criticism she and Prince Harry often face.
The Duchess previously spoke about the controversial clip just weeks after it was posted, as she appeared on the on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast. Breaking her silence on the clip, Meghan explained: “That was four years ago.”
“So it’s also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there’s still a whole life — a real, authentic, fun life — that’s happening behind the scenes. I’m just grateful that now, being back on social media as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.”
