Melissa McCarthy Calls Friend Meghan Markle A 'Smart Woman' Who Can Be 'Threatening To Some People'
In 2021, the star of "Genie" joined forces with the Duchess of Sussex to create a video in celebration of Meghan Markle's 40th birthday.
(Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
During the Broadway's 'Suffs' opening on April 18, Melissa McCarthy expressed her admiration and affection for the "wonderful" and "awesome" Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
"A smart interesting woman that has her own life, for some reason, is incredibly threatening to some people," 'The Little Mermaid' actress told Page Six, alluding to the criticism Meghan, 42, often faces.
"I always think, how inspiring! I've never once been threatened by someone who is amazing. I just think how inspiring. It's really on the people throwing the hate," McCarthy, 53, continued.
McCarthy collaborated with Meghan in the 40x40 initiative announcement video last year. In the video, which marked Meghan's 40th birthday, McCarthy sported a fascinator and white gloves, adding a touch of humor while celebrating Meghan's royal status. Prince Harry also made a cameo, displaying his juggling skills alongside McCarthy.
She revealed that it was actually Harry's idea to make a cameo in the video. Describing her reaction, McCarthy said, "I just thought it was so sweet and genuine." She further added, "I was like, 'Are you weird and funny to boot?' At that point, I was like, 'That's great!' ... I love anyone that will do something weird just for weird's sake, so I was like, 'I tip my hat!' "
Reflecting on the experience, McCarthy expressed admiration for the bond between Harry and Meghan during an appearance on the U.K. morning show 'Lorraine.' Describing the interaction as "so cute," the 'Nine Perfect Strangers' star highlighted the joy on Meghan's face when Harry entered the room.
"It bums me out for every woman and every person that, for no reason, people just like to attack," McCarthy said.
Meghan also reflected on online bullying she endures last month during the Opening Day Keynote Panel at SXSW.
"It's really interesting as I can reflect on it — I keep my distance from it right now just for my own wellbeing — but the bulk of the bullying and abuse that I was experiencing on social media and online was when I was pregnant with Archie and Lili, and with a newborn with each of them," she said.
She added how she finds it "disturbing" that "much of the hate is women completely spewing it to other women," creating "pages where they can churn out very, very inciting comments and conspiracy theories that can have a tremendously negative effect on someone's mental health, on their physical safety."
