Meghan Markle has reportedly described herself as “one of the most bullied people in the world,” according to the founder of a youth advocacy organization. However, sources speaking to The Post have disputed this claim.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, recently visited Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara to participate in a new digital wellness initiative called Social Media U. The program, developed in collaboration with #HalfTheStory—a movement focused on digital wellbeing for younger generations—is set to expand nationwide. The initiative is backed by Meghan and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation, alongside funding from the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation and Melissa French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures.
During the October 2 event, described as “a screen-free afternoon of games, friendship bracelets, and coloring,” Meghan joined Girls Inc. CEO Stephanie J. Hull and #HalfTheStory founder Larissa May to discuss their personal experiences with social media.
Speaking to Vanity Fair in an article published on Friday, May shared that Meghan had commented on her experience with online criticism. “Meghan talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world,” May said, describing an activity where participants explored scenarios involving emotional responses to social media.
“We had girls wave little emoji signs to discuss how each scenario would have affected them emotionally,” May explained. “With Stephanie and Meghan, we also talked about what it means to grow up in today’s digital era.”
However, sources who spoke to The Post clarified that while the Duchess did share her experience with online bullying, she did not specifically claim to be the “most bullied person in the world.” A representative for Meghan has yet to comment.
Meghan’s connection with Larissa May began in 2023 when #HalfTheStory was chosen as one of the first organizations to join the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund, a group supported by Archewell. May highlighted Meghan and Harry’s dedication to empowering young people as they navigate the digital world.
“We wanted the teens involved in #HalfTheStory to shape the kind of experience we would create,” May explained. “Ultimately, we felt that building a space of vulnerability was the best approach.”
May also praised the couple’s broader work in the realm of digital well-being. “I know many young women who use social media for joy and inspiration,” she said. “Technology isn’t going anywhere—it’s like food, not a drug, because it plays a crucial role in public health, economic empowerment, and academic opportunities.”
Girls Inc., a partner organization of #HalfTheStory, annually supports around 114,000 girls through its network of 75 locations across the United States and Canada. “Girls Inc. is now in its 160th year,” Hull told Vanity Fair. “It has always adapted to meet girls’ needs, and today, that means addressing safety and well-being in the digital world.”
Meanwhile, Meghan and Prince Harry have remained active in their philanthropic efforts.
Recently, Harry attended the WellChild Awards in the UK and traveled to Lesotho to support Sentebale, a charity helping young people navigate life with HIV and AIDS. Additionally, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Colombia in August to participate in a conference on building a better digital future.