Cartagena, Colombia – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s recent visit to Colombia has been mired in controversy after Meghan Markle’s appearance at a women’s empowerment forum took an unexpected turn.

As the Duchess took the stage to address the audience, she opted to deliver her remarks in Spanish, drawing the ire of many in attendance.

Meghan Markle’s recent appearance at a women’s empowerment forum in Colombia has stirred significant controversy. The Duchess of Sussex, who spoke Spanish during her speech, faced backlash from some audience members who viewed her language choice as disrespectful to local customs.

The situation escalated into chaos as attendees booed and attempted to remove her from the stage, sparking a broader debate about cultural sensitivity and the reception of the royal couple in Colombia.

The forum, hosted by Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, was intended to celebrate female leadership and cultural heritage.

 

However, Meghan Markle’s use of Spanish, which was not the local dialect, became a focal point of contention. Eyewitnesses reported a confrontational atmosphere as some attendees reacted negatively, leading to a scene where a group tried to storm the stage. The incident required intervention from security to manage the chaos.

This episode has ignited a heated discussion on social media. Supporters of Markle praised her Spanish fluency as a sign of respect and genuine effort to connect with the audience. In contrast, critics accused her of insensitivity and being out of touch with local cultural nuances.

This division in opinion underscores the complexities surrounding royal representation and cultural expectations.

Local resident Pedro Gutierrez criticized Markle for not using the local dialect, reflecting a broader sentiment of cultural pride among Colombians. In response, Vice President Márquez condemned the xenophobic backlash against Markle, advocating for a celebration of her efforts to engage with the local community.

Márquez’s statement highlights the need for inclusivity and cultural exchange, suggesting that Markle’s intentions should be recognized rather than criticized.

The controversy has also reignited discussions about colonial attitudes and cultural sensitivity. The strong reactions to Markle’s language choice suggest underlying tensions regarding cultural representation and historical context. This incident points to ongoing challenges in navigating cultural interactions and underscores the importance of respecting traditional customs in international engagements.