Viewers react to Meghan’s racism bombshell in Oprah interview: ‘Disgusted but not surprised’

Some people said Meghan was British royal family’s greatest opportunity for change but they missed out on it

Meghan Markle’s mention of the racism she suffered as a member of the British royal family has left many of the viewers disgusted but unsurprised.

During their no-holds-barred interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired on CBS on Sunday night, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed there were “concerns” raised about “how dark” their baby’s skin might be during Meghan’s pregnancy.

“In those months when I was pregnant ... we have in tandem the conversation of ‘he (Archie) won’t be given security. He’s not going to be given a title,’ and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born,” Meghan said during the interview.

Toni Tone, who is a writer, tweeted: “Conversations were had before Archie was born about how DARK his skin might be?!? Disgusted but not surprised! #OprahMeghanHarry.”

While Asha Rangappa, a former FBI Special Agent, lawyer, and faculty at Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, said “don’t be shocked that they were concerned over how dark the baby might be.”

“Having parents fret over that question is one of the lovely legacies that the British left in their colonies,” she tweeted.

Meghan’s close friend and tennis player Serena Williams also issued a statement after the interview stating that it revealed the “pain and cruelty” her friend experienced.

“Meghan Markle, my selfless friend, lives her life – and leads by example – with empathy and compassion. She teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble. Her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s experienced. I know first hand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of colour to minimise us, to break us down and demonise us,” said Ms Williams in her statement.

The Duke and Duchess, however, refused to reveal the identity of the person who discussed the colour of their child.

Prince Harry acknowledged that he had been aware of this particular conversation.

“That conversation I am never going to share ... but at the time it was awkward, I was in shock,” said Harry while stating that he was not comfortable sharing what the question was but said it concerned what their children would look like.

Mathias Ssemanda, who is the founder and president of Top Bloggers Uganda, an organisation and association of bloggers in Uganda, tweeted “the British monarchy is being haunted by its dark past. Especially its transgressions during colonialism and slave trade. Very damning revelations by Meghan.”

While Amanda Gorman, poet and activist, said: “Meghan was the Crown’s greatest opportunity for change, regeneration, and reconciliation in a new era. They didn’t just maltreat her light--they missed out on it.”

Others like Lynnette Khalfani Cox, a personal finance expert, said: “I guess racism, colonialism and fear of change die hard.”

Morgan Jerkins , who is an author, tweeted: “I’m glad Meghan brought up the commonwealth. Because the truth is, the British royal family sees Meghan and Archie as those from the places that they colonised, not as those within their lineage and traditions. Let’s call a spade a spade.”